GFAC is an independent arts agency that promotes and enriches the community through culturally diverse programs and events. It is located in downtown Flint and represents Lapeer and Genesee Counties. The organization is supported by a committed Board of Trustees and competent staff. GFAC’s programs include art education, events, and festivals. Call your friends and family to visit this amazing destination at 816 Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
GFAC’s core mission is to foster creativity in the Greater Flint Area by promoting and expanding artistic and cultural programming, offering quality art information services, and enhancing the artistic and cultural activities of the community. In addition to supporting local artists and organizations, GFAC promotes governmental arts funding, builds new partnerships, and increases awareness of the local arts and culture.
GFAC’s work in Flint began in 1967 when a group of concerned citizens formally formed the Greater Flint Arts Council. The first director was hired in the mid 1970s. Sarah Warner served as the first Executive Director of the GFAC. She worked to help the organization open its first gallery, a former Roberts David Allan clothing store. A mural by local artist John Gonsowski, which was painted on the building’s facade, was saved.
Throughout its history, the Greater Flint Arts Council has provided opportunities for local, regional, and national artists to showcase their talents and engage the community. GFAC’s programs are specifically designed to serve the needs of the local arts community and educational institutions. GFAC hosts a monthly artwalk and sponsors many arts events. GFAC provides rehearsal space for musicians and artists. Look at one of their sponsors.
During the early years of the GFAC, its focus was to provide funding and support for the arts. However, the nonprofit was faced with limited resources and had to seek solutions to its challenges. This included wide scale residential abandonment, a lack of commercial vitality, and public safety issues. GFAC responded to these challenges by expanding its existing programming.
After GFAC’s director left, a new one was appointed. Greg Fiedler was an experienced performer and businessman who had worked for Hamady Bros. and Hamady Food Markets. He began working with the Arts Council Board and Arts Council Staff. One of his biggest challenges was to market the Arts Council. Eventually, he developed a plan for downtown revitalization in Flint.
The Flint Art Gallery, located in the Downtown Entertainment District, features the works of local artists. The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am to 5 p.m. and also holds an annual Tunes at Noon Festival. GFAC also produces the Flint 2nd Friday Artwalk and the Flint Jazzwalk. Want to see another great visit?
After being approached by local film makers, the Flint Film Arts Council started producing the Flint Film Festival in 2003. Several local companies agreed to partner with the film festival to host the annual event. Another program, Flint Jazzwalk, was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and emulates the Detroit Jazz Festival in Hart Plaza.
In addition to promoting the arts, GFAC supports the development of sustainable arts agencies throughout the Greater Flint area. It has helped Flint become a leader in the arts community by providing quality programs and services to enhance the lives of the community’s residents and visitors.