For over fifty years, the Holland Area Arts Council has been a creative and civic anchor for the Lakeshore region. Founded in 1967 by local artists and advocates, HAAC has grown into an organization focused on public access, artist support, and community engagement.

Early programs supported artists’ co-ops, musicians, instructors, and galleries, often held in living rooms and public spaces. In 1986, HAAC moved to its first building at 25 West 8th Street, boosting visibility and capacity. Professional operations expanded under Dorothy Webster, the first full-time Executive Director, and by the late 1980s, the Council offered dance, music, and public programs, including summer concerts, youth festivals, and the Michigan Arts Competition.

In 1997, HAAC opened a new home at 150 East 8th Street with galleries and classrooms, creating a central hub for creativity. Community partnerships and volunteer support became a hallmark, while programs like murals, traveling exhibitions, and cross-cultural projects broadened access to the arts.

HAAC also became home to local arts organizations, including the Holland Symphony Orchestra, Holland Chorale, Holland Youth Orchestra, and Holland Friends of Art. Public art projects such as Pigs on Parade, Take a Seat, Towering Tulips, and the Banner Project connected artists, businesses, and residents through shared creative experiences.

Today, HAAC serves over 40,000 people annually through exhibitions, classes, and programs like Art for All, Creative Aging (Arts 50+), and Cultural Classroom. The Council remains a public resource and advocate for the arts, guided by a diverse board of educators, designers, business leaders, and artists.

From its grassroots beginnings to its role as a regional arts leader, the Holland Area Arts Council continues to celebrate creativity and provide artistic opportunities for all in the Lakeshore community.