From the efforts, patience and hard work of our residents, Hilton Head Island has become a thoroughly fulfilling cultural community with an ever-strengthening affinity for the arts. Musical productions, ballet, painting, dance, sculpture, theater, song, symphony, libraries, art leagues, galleries, orchestras, lectures, museums and more are all alive on the Island.
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina of Hilton Head celebrated its Grand Opening through a series of events in 1996, beginning with gallery openings and Gala Performances in the two-level 360 seat theatre and Open Houses. The theatre includes a working stage, cyclorama, orchestra pit and trap door access for special stage effects. In addition to the theatre, there are activity studios, a 2,288 square foot art gallery, a rehearsal hall, dressing rooms and prop storage all under one roof.
Over seventeen community art groups utilize the pavilion, ranging from barbershop quartets to a full symphony orchestra. The diverse roster of cultural disciplines and events will include art shows, lectures, performances both amateur and professional, arts and crafts classes, dance, instructions and more.
Another highlight in the community’s extensive arts portfolio is The Community Playhouse which draws the area’s top dramatic performers and directors, hosting a variety of productions including comedy, musicals, drama, dance and even light opera.
The environmental and historical Museum of Hilton Head Island also plays an important part of life on the Island. The Museum has formed a partnership with the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce to provide information to residents and visitors. Opened in March of 1994, Hilton Head Island’s Museum and Welcome Center is much more than just a place that houses old things. The Museum enables people to enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Museum will continue to sponsor interpretive beach walks, tours of historic antebellum plantation home ruins, archeological Civil War excavations, sea turtle protection patrols, wetlands boardwalk tours, and continuing historical lectures and environmental seminars.
Today, because of these strides in furthering the cultural climate on Hilton Head Island, the arts are now as intrinsic on the island as the native wildlife. Both in a community which continues to embrace the best quality of life possible for its residents. Begun in 1984 as a coalition for the arts, the Cultural Council of Hilton Head Island acts as an umbrella organization for 16 member groups.
Cultural Council of Hilton Head Island