" " The Art of What We Do (Part 4 of 5)
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The Art of What We Do (Part 4 of 5)

A wide, reddish-orange tinted photo of people dancing in a group. The text "THE ART OF WHAT WE DO" is at the top in white, and "ARTS EDUCATION" is in the center in a large, white font. At the bottom right, there is a logo for "ARTSCOUNCIL FAYETTEVILLE-CUMBERLAND CO."

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Arts Council?


Over the next four weeks, we’re pulling back the curtain to share how we serve Fayetteville and Cumberland County through creative programs, community connections, and vibrant visual arts experiences. Whether you're strolling through our downtown gallery, visiting from out of town, or just getting to know the cultural side of Fayetteville, this is your guide to what we really do — and how it all comes together.


This week, we spoke with our Chief of Staff, Kennon Jackson, about ArtScape.


How does ArtScape reach members of the community?

We meet people where they are, literally. ArtScape public art lines our streets and walkways, so folks encounter art naturally as part of their day. We promote calls for artists, voting periods, and audio tours through newsletters, social media, and connections with neighborhood groups and businesses. The Otocast audio tour lets people hear directly from the artists in their own voices, which makes the experience feel welcoming and personal, whether you’re an artist, a tourist, or a lifelong local.


Who are some community members that this exhibit serves?

Really, it’s a wide mix: young and established artists, local families, veterans, students, small business owners, and folks who just happen upon the public art while out and about in the community. We’re very intentional about showcasing a broad range of styles, backgrounds, and stories so that people can see something that feels familiar to them, not to mention something new. That range of perspectives is what makes ArtScape feel so connected to Fayetteville itself.



How is ArtScape funded?

ArtScape is supported by a combination of public and private resources. We receive annual support from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the NC Arts Council. Local sponsors, including businesses, community groups, and individuals, also play a major role by sponsoring individual pieces of public art. That blend of public investment and local buy-in helps us pay artists, cover installation and maintenance costs, and provide free tools like the Otocast mobile tour. It’s a shared effort, which makes it sustainable and rooted in the community.


How does ArtScape impact the local economy and tourism?

According to the AEP6 study, nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Cumberland County generated $72.2 million in economic activity in 2022 (most recent data), supported over 1,100 local jobs, and produced more than $9.5 million in tax revenue. Projects like ArtScape help drive that impact by making our city more walkable, photogenic, and interesting for both residents and visitors. People stop to take pictures, grab a coffee, explore local shops; that foot traffic matters to our downtown and small business scene. ArtScape also gives visitors something memorable to experience when they come to Fayetteville, helping to bring more tourism dollars and visibility to Cumberland County.


Is there anything else people should know about ArtScape?

ArtScape isn’t just a way to make our streets and neighborhoods more attractive. It’s a way to create a welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike, helping to draw tourists in and showcase the unique creative spirit of Cumberland County. Each round of ArtScape is thoughtfully curated so that the final selections really reflect Fayetteville’s energy and creativity. At its heart, ArtScape is about celebrating what makes us unique, while also giving people something they can be proud to see in their hometown.



Want to help support the arts?


Give today and help us continue making an impact on arts and culture here in Fayetteville | Cumberland County.


For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization on Facebook (@ArtsCouncilFay) or Instagram (@artscouncilfay).

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