About Us

In the summer of 2006, several concerned persons interested in economic development gathered to discuss what they might do to improve the economic outlook of Scotland County, while at the same time enrich the community’s quality of life. These folks were interested in the arts and believed storytelling was the perfect genre to highlight the rich diverse folk and cultural heritage of the community. This group of people began planning the first Storytelling Festival of Carolina for May 2007. Engaging the best national storytellers and most talented regional tellers, raising funds from individuals, businesses, foundations and government, marketing across several states, and recruiting a cadre of dedicated volunteers proved to be a recipe for success. With the first event under our belt, we decided to incorporate and provide the community with more programs to try to have a greater impact on the local economy. SACS is here with the whispers, prayers and confidence of the community.

The Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast, Inc. (SACS), dba the Arts Council of Scotland County preserves and enriches performing and visual arts for children and adults of all ages through education, performances, research, workshops, professional development, and writing. As a catalyst for community and economic development in Scotland County, the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast stimulates sustainable tourism, grows business, creates and maintains jobs, and promotes Scotland County as a tourist retirement destination by advancing artistic excellence and cultural activities.

Our goal is a flourishing and celebrated arts community where everyone has the chance to be inspired by the arts.

In 2014, the North Carolina Arts Council named SACS their provisional partner as the Arts Council for Scotland County working towards becoming the Designated County Partner. The vision for the center includes economic growth, downtown revitalization, community cohesion, and quality art and educational programming and opportunities. The arts need to be part of any public, private and community conversations that seek to bring about change and we believe in the concept of creative placemaking. A powerful connection emerges when you marry the arts and a focus on a city’s opportunity. We will work to ensure that arts and cultural activities stand front and center in efforts to revitalize and reimagine our downtown and community at large. In 2018, we achieved our goal of becoming the Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council.