The Arts & Education Council (AEC) seeks to provide unique opportunities for lifelong learning and participation in the arts for all members of the community. A non-profit organization that began in 1952 as the Adult Education Council, AEC was one of 12 pilot agencies founded by a Ford Foundation grant. In 1983, the organization changed its name to the Arts & Education Council to more accurately reflect its outreach in Chattanooga. The AEC is the only organization of the 12 still in existence.
In addition to the Conference on Southern Literature and its school outreach programs, the AEC organizes the Chattanooga Festival of Writers, Culture Fest, TheatreExpress, Back Row Film Series and Independent Film Series. AEC also produces two television programs, "Point of View" and "First View." For more information on these programs, click here.
The AEC receives support from Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, the Tennessee Arts Commission, local and regional foundations, corporations, community and individual contributors.
