MACA is a non-profit local arts agency serving Monroe and the surrounding counties of East Tennessee. In addition to offering a variety of different professional programs as a part of an annual performing season, MACA works with area schools, churches and civic organizations to provide arts education programs, artist residencies and more. MACA is a 501c(3) organization.

The Mission Statement of the Monroe Area Council for the Arts, chartered in 1995, is as follows: "The corporation shall have as its purpose the coordination, communication, promotion and development of cultural activities in the Monroe County area and the surrounding areas, with emphasis on efforts to reach underserved populations and to support indigenous arts, artists and resources."

Throughout its history and with support from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Southern Arts Federation (SAF), Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) and East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), MACA has sponsored such programs as:

• Drama productions for thousands of elementary and secondary students,

• Entertainment for the Madisonville Nursing Home,

• Professional musicians, magicians and dramatists for interaction with classes at secondary and elementary schools and at the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County,

• A storytelling program to all 8 elementary schools in the Monroe County system and a creative writing program targeted at sixth and seventh graders in 3 Monroe County schools.

Special tickets have been provided to the Cora Veal Senior Citizens Center and the Upward Bound program (a federal TRIO program) at Hiwassee College so that senior citizens and low-income students and their families might attend live performances.

A grants summary reveals that MACA has received one Arts Build Communities grant from ETF, five Arts in Education grants from TAC, two Rural Arts Program grants from TAC, five Special Opportunities grants from TAC, four grants from SAF, and four grants from the United Way of Monroe County. MACA was selected in 1996 as an UPTAC council.

Two traveling exhibits – photographs of the Appalachian people by "Picturemen Mullins," and a woodcarving exhibit, were enjoyed by Monroe County residents as they were presented in each of the four towns' libraries.

• Provide showcase programs and events promoting the arts in our community.

• Add to the economic quality of life in our community by bringing outsiders into the area for cultural events.

• Enhance the education of area children, providing them the same opportunities as those in larger and different communities.

• Help be a part of the community effort to make our lives more well-rounded.

MACA is a volunteer-staffed organization. All persons interested in the arts are encouraged to contact us.