Thank you for visiting the St. Johns County Cultural Council's new website.  As the county's designated local arts agency, our mission is to help make St. Johns County a leading destination where the lives of residents and visitors are enriched through vibrant arts and culture.

During the last 12 months, we  met and spoke with hundreds of artists, cultural organizations and arts enthusiasts to learn more about how the council could best serve the county's arts community.

The number one issue we heard over and over again was "communication".

In response, we are pleased to introduce "The Official St. Johns County Directory of the Arts". Explore the Directory and you'll quickly find and connect with your favorite local artist, musician or poet.  If you are an artist, arts organization, or manage a venue, we encourage you to add your profile and encourage others to  do the same.  This is a website  is meant to provide an on ongoing dialogue between artists and the general public.   

The Directory helps to arrange, coordinate and organize all things artistic in the county and enables artists and audiences to find each other.

You'll be able to find events sorted by area of the county, category or type of entertainment. You can search for a place to hold your next family reunion, wedding, rehearse, or book a performance space to   promote your new CD.  If you have a venue and are looking for performers/artists, the artist directory  can help you  search for  artists. Looking to take piano or yoga classes? We've got you covered.

This new community resource would not be possible without the combined effort of a great number of individuals and businesses.  Our existence as the county's designated local arts agency and cultural "umbrella" organization would not be possible without the vision and support of our county and city elected officials and staff. Thank you, from all of us who value arts in St. Johns County, for advancing and recognizing the importance of vibrant arts.

We want to acknowledge everyone who attended our three regional workshops. Deepest appreciation goes to thank our Board of Directors for their support and commitment to the cultural council's mission. Without your loyal participation, we could not complete all the work that needs to be done. In particular, we'd like to thank Karen Jurgensen, Joy D'Elia, Seth Ferreira and the teams at Troika and Capstone for their perseverance in bringing this vision to (virtual) life.  

We'd also like to  recognize and thank our lead underwriters, Marty Lahanan at Regions Bank, Mac McLeod at The McLeod Firm and John Birney at First Coast Financial Advisors, for their commitment to and faith in this project. These partners saw the need, shared our vision and did not hesitate to underwrite a large portion of this significant undertaking. Without their financial support, this exciting and dynamic site would still be nothing more than a concept.

Finally, we want to thank and congratulate all the artists, cultural organizations and audiences who choose to make St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and all areas of St. Johns County their home. In doing so, you help make this county one of the most special places earth to live, work and create.

We hope you enjoy this new "Directory of the Arts" and encourage you to explore, create and build community by attending and supporting as many local artists as you possible can.  As the great Beverly Sills said - "Art is the signature of civilizations"  -  so, let us all go forth and celebrate our moment in time.

Philip McDaniel
Board President
St. Johns Cultural Council
October, 2008