Nestled on 11 acres of lush, subtropical grounds along the serene Turnbull Bay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) stands as a beacon for creative souls seeking inspiration from the natural world. Founded in 1977 by visionary sculptor, painter, and environmentalist Doris Leeper, this nonprofit multidisciplinary artist residency facility and cultural hub embodies her profound belief in the symbiotic bond between art and nature. Just minutes from the sun-kissed sands of New Smyrna Beach—one of Florida’s premier coastal destinations—ACA invites visitors to immerse themselves in a haven where the whispers of coastal breezes and the rustle of ancient oaks fuel artistic exploration.
At its core, ACA nurtures emerging and established talents through its acclaimed Mentoring Artists-in-Residence Program, where master artists from diverse disciplines—such as visual arts, music, dance, and literature—mentor select associates during intensive three-week sessions. Over the decades, this initiative has hosted more than 430 mentors and 3,500 associates from around the globe, birthing works that have graced stages and galleries at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. Beyond residencies, ACA fosters community vibrancy through Arts on Douglas, a downtown gallery and education space in a historic home dedicated to Florida artists, and the annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, which transforms the area into a whirlwind of exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
For beachgoers planning a visit to New Smyrna’s iconic shores, ACA offers a perfect cultural detour. Stroll the sculpture-dotted grounds, where Leeper’s environmental ethos shines through outdoor installations that echo the nearby Atlantic’s rhythms. Public galleries in the Pabst Visitor Center showcase rotating exhibits, while hands-on classes and events encourage self-discovery amid the coastal splendor. Whether you’re a local artist, a family on vacation, or a traveler craving authentic Florida experiences, ACA bridges the gap between sandy relaxation and soul-stirring creation. Here, the arts aren’t just observed—they’re lived, in harmony with the timeless allure of the Sunshine State’s beaches.
Artist Residency Programs
The Atlantic Center for the Arts elevates its offerings through its signature Mentoring Artists-in-Residence Program, a cornerstone of interdisciplinary collaboration since 1982. This immersive initiative pairs internationally renowned master artists with emerging talents in three-week residencies, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogues in fields like visual arts, performing arts, and literary crafts. Participants, selected via competitive applications, receive private studios, housing, and stipends, allowing uninterrupted focus on groundbreaking projects amid ACA’s tranquil, nature-infused campus. With over 155 residencies completed, the program has sparked innovations showcased worldwide, from Spoleto Festival premieres to Brooklyn Academy of Music productions. For beach-bound creatives, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to channel the coastal environment’s energy into fresh works, blending Florida’s natural beauty with global artistic exchange. Open calls, like the upcoming February 2025 session, ensure accessibility for diverse voices, making ACA a vital pipeline for cultural enrichment in the Volusia County arts scene.
Community Engagement Initiatives
ACA enriches New Smyrna Beach’s cultural fabric via targeted community programs, including Arts on Douglas and the IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts. Arts on Douglas, housed in a restored 1920s historic home at 106 N. Douglas Street, serves as a dynamic hub for local education and exhibitions, featuring Florida-centric galleries, youth workshops, and adult enrichment classes in mediums from pottery to photography. Meanwhile, the annual IMAGES festival draws thousands with multimedia events, live performances, and artist markets that spill into downtown streets, celebrating the region’s artistic heritage. These initiatives promote inclusivity, partnering with schools and mom-and-pop venues to amplify underrepresented creators. Tied to the beach locale, they offer post-surf creative outlets, like nature-inspired plein air sessions, fostering a supportive ecosystem where visitors and residents alike discover unique, hands-on experiences that honor Doris Leeper’s legacy of art as a communal, environmental force.
