is the acronym, pronounced SEE-bock, for Chequamegon Bay Arts Council, a coalition of individuals, groups, community based organizations, and area businesses interested in supporting and nurturing the arts and to enliven, entertain, and increase the quality of life in the Chequamegon Bay region.

CBAC provides its members with benefits like seminars & professional development, grants & scholarships, newsletters, art exhibitions, and annual events (see calendar). 

CBAC is a non-profit corporation with a three-fold mission.

• Promote the arts in all phases, functions, and disciplines

• Assist, encourage, tutor, expand, and develop all individuals and groups who have an interest in the arts

• Integrate with our community resources to enliven, entertain and increase the quality of life in the Chequamegon Bay region and beyond

In 1981 the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council was established as a division of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and recognized as a 501(c)(3).  The all-volunteer group successfully brought entertainment to the community for a few years until the primary leader moved away.  During the next few years members provided volunteer support for Northland College’s Arts and Letters performances.

After a number of dormant years, the Arts Council was reactivated by the Ashland Chamber and the Wisconsin Arts Board at a special meeting held March 29, 1993. A planning grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board Community supported a comprehensive community arts assessment process.  The outcome of the planning grant was a strategic plan that set the course that we are still maintaining (see below).

It took until 2001 to have enough money in the treasury to incorporate.  We renewed our 501(c)(3) status in February 2003.

During the intervening years we made steady progress to the strategic planning goals adopted in May 1995.

Goal 1:  Increase knowledge of the local arts by establishing effective communication.  
We maintain an effective voice for the arts with our newsletter, calendar, press releases, public meetings, on-going advocacy, and this web site.  We  have a strong, well-trained all-volunteer board and a budget to support activities.

Goal 2:  Develop new audiences and advocates by increasing the number of people participating in meaningful cultural arts activities.
We expand the number of formal and informal arts offerings, support projects with grant funds, develop partnerships with community organizations, and support school arts projects.

Goal 3:  Assist artists and community organizations in realizing their artistic potential, becoming self sustaining and contributing to the vitality of the larger community.  
We enhance artist’s viability by providing opportunities for public exposure and information on good business practices.  We promote artists with a directory, public exhibits, and this website,  We explore and support new public and private  performance and gallery opportunities.

Our mid-summer art auction at the Bayfield Pavilion raises funds to support the grant program and other member benefits.

We inform members of state and federal government about arts issues and meet with local officials to keep them aware of the economic impact of the arts on the local economy. We promote the work of area visual, musical, performing, and literary artists.

info@cbayarts.org

PO Box 25, Washburn, WI 54891