Livingston Arts Council is a Howell-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting arts and cultural opportunities throughout Livingston County. Founded in 1995, the organization works to connect people with visual art, music, performances, educational experiences and other creative programming that contributes to the cultural life of the community.
The Livingston Arts Council owns and operates the historic Howell Opera House, an 1881 landmark in downtown Howell. The organization purchased the building in 2000 and has worked to preserve, renovate and reactivate it as a community arts and cultural center. Today, the Opera House hosts concerts, art exhibits, performances, workshops, markets, community events and other programs while ongoing restoration efforts continue to preserve the building for future generations.
Programming includes initiatives such as Concerts at the Courthouse, art exhibitions, live music, storytelling performances, open studio sessions and cultural events. The organization also provides opportunities for local artists and makers to share and sell their work through exhibitions, markets and community events.
Education and community participation are also part of the Livingston Arts Council’s work. Programs and volunteer opportunities allow people of different ages and experience levels to participate in creative activities, support performances and exhibitions, assist with events, and help care for the historic Opera House.
Community support helps the Livingston Arts Council provide arts programming while maintaining and restoring the Howell Opera House. Donations, memberships, sponsorships, event participation and volunteer involvement all help sustain the organization’s work and keep the historic building active as a gathering place for arts and culture in Livingston County.