Dorchester Center for the Arts

MISSION: The Dorchester Center for the Arts champions community-driven arts programming and increases access to the arts for all. We provide and support programming in the visual, literary and performing arts to connect people, cultivate creativity and catalyze curiosity. VISION Art for All! DCA was founded in 1970 by three local artists, Shirley Brannock, John Bannon and Robert Tolley, who decided that it was important to establish a center for the arts to serve the people of Dorchester County. The trio were all graduates of the Maryland Institute of Art, educators and practicing painters. The organization operates as a 501(c)3 and is governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors. Their vision is still in place today. Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) is dedicated to enriching Maryland’s Eastern Shore community through high quality, engaging programming in the visual, literary, and performing arts. As the designated County Arts Council for Dorchester County, DCA is committed to increasing access to the arts for all members of the community by supporting extensive outreach and educational opportunities in the arts.

Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) supports local and regional artists through gallery exhibitions and opportunities for instruction. Instructional arts programs are offered for all ages, both onsite and off. DCA understands the healing power of the arts, and provides scholarship opportunities and free programs for all ages to ensure equitable access to the arts. Offsite programming is offered to take the arts out into the County to reach underserved populations. Understanding that we are stronger when we share power and leadership to support community needs, DCA strives to partner with other area organizations to strengthen the impact of the arts. As the County Arts Council, DCA provides grants to non-profit organizations presenting arts programming, through funding from the Maryland State Arts Council. These grants are limited to Dorchester County.