Arts Huntsville, a 56-year-old organization supporting the arts in the Tennessee Valley, has voted to eliminate membership fees in an effort to better support a...

Arts Huntsville, a 56-year-old organization supporting the arts in the Tennessee Valley, has voted to eliminate membership fees in an effort to better support artists and arts organizations.

They say the change is a result of a 2018 arts community needs assessment survey and will help provide open, inclusive, and barrier-free access to its services.

Allison Dillon-Jauken, Arts Huntsville executive director, explains, “Huntsville’s arts scene is vibrant and growing, but our artists, musicians and arts organizations continue to need promotional and business support to connect with our growing population. We’re thrilled to now be able to offer features such as Arts Huntsville Arts Directory listings, promotional support, marketing roundtables, and networking free of charge to the diverse array of artists and arts professionals who animate Huntsville’s quality of life each day.”

In the past, membership included artists and organizations from all across north Alabama. The new open structure provides all artists and arts, culture, and entertainment-related businesses within a 35-mile radius access to promotional, advocacy, and professional development opportunities provided at no cost by Arts Huntsville.

The Arts Huntsville Directory is available to the public and gives visual artists, musicians, performing arts, instructors,writers, venues, and more the chance to create profiles to increase their artistic and professional presence.