Our Mission

The Arts of the Pamlico (AOP) is a state-designated arts council. AOP makes the arts accessible to all residents of Beaufort County through community programming and by providing support and resources to artists and arts organizations throughout the County. Its vision is to provide access to local, high-quality arts opportunities for all Beaufort County residents.

With over 60 years of service to rural eastern NC, founded as Beaufort County Arts Council is one of the oldest arts councils in the state. The organization was formed in 1963 and designated in1972 as a 501c3 nonprofit.  The arts council purchased the historic Turnage Theatre in 2013 and began doing business as Arts of the Pamlico to reflect its regional reach.

Supporting Artists & Arts Organizations

AOP provides artists and art groups with low cost performing, event and sales spaces, ticketing services, stipends to support the provision of free programs, equipment, workshops, exhibit space, musical instruments, fiscal sponsorship, stage equipment, technical services, recording studio, art walks, art garden, youth art camps, marketing, costume shoppe, performance spaces and more to support local artists and art groups. Together, this collection of artist offer a rich menu of year-round youth, visual, performing, media, dance, and musical arts programs at the Turnage.

AOP’s Historic Turnage Theatre is the home of the arts council and several art affiliate groups. AOP art affiliates offer a menu of community-based arts and culture activities and raise funds at the theatre to support their groups.

The 27,000+ square foot arts plex is comprised of two theatres (historic vaudeville playhouse guided tour space, c. 1913 & a fully restored 408-seat palace theatre, c. 1930), indoor and outdoor art exhibit spaces, green space, makers space, dressing rooms, costume shop with washer/dryer, retail spaces, front of house event & performance space, historical vaudeville museum, staging kitchen and offices.

The theatre building registered as a contributing structure to the Washington Historic District and is protected by Preservation NC historic preservation covenants.

Our Vision

  •  Advance new and continue existing partnerships

  • Build diverse daytime programming with and for Seniors and Gen Z & Millennials

  • Continue to grow youth arts programs & secure funding to continue free camps and events

  • Form & support committees that will support AOP activities and engage the community

  • -Grow a diverse menu performing arts programs at the Turnage

  • Guide the next generation of artists and art leaders & cultivate the knowledge of past leaders

  • Support implementation of an annual collaborative series of art walks & arts festivals