Welcome to the web site of a project that is going to change the face of the arts in the greater Houlton area. The Houlton Community Arts Center is a five million dollar private and public project to upgrade Houlton High School and create a focal point for our wonderful arts community. Many dedicated community members have been hard at work over the past years to make this project a reality. We are excited that you have visited our site, please view our very informative pages. Do not hesitate to contact us with your questions. Thank you for your support.

Joseph A. Fagnant, President
Houlton Community Arts Center Council

Information about our ARTSTRONG campaign can be found here.

Our Mission

The Houlton Community Arts Center Council seeks to raise funds to expand and renovate the existing music facilities of Houlton High School in order to establish a performing and visual arts facility that will better serve the needs of our students and the citizens of the Southern Aroostook area.

MSAD #29 BOND ISSUE PASSES

$2.5 MILLION FOR ARTS CENTER APPROVED BY VOTERS

Thank you to the voters of MSAD #29 for your support in approving $2.5 million for the Houlton Community Arts Center and another $2.5 million for renovations at Houlton High School.

One Room Many Needs

Houlton High School was built in 1950 to serve the needs of the 600 students enrolled at that time. 180 students, or 30%, participated in one of the four available music programs. Today, more than 60% of enrolled middle school students and 45% of high school students are active participants in one or more of the district’s 13 musical ensembles. In addition, nearly twenty community organizations regularly make use of the meeting and performance space in the Houlton High School arts wing. A steadily increasing demand for additional creative arts opportunities in the Greater Houlton community has left the stage, wing space, practice rooms and even offices of Houlton High School filled to the rafters with instruments, musical scores and costumes.

Overcrowding in the high school arts area has led to frequent conflicts for educational space and significant limitations on performance opportunities. It has been difficult to expand the schedule of activities for the community, including performances, fundraisers, meetings, rehearsals, festivals and other statewide programs.