Empowering Local Arts and Culture Leaders
Advocating for collaboration and growth in Nassau County arts.
Empowering Local Arts and Culture Leaders
Advocating for collaboration and growth in Nassau County arts.
Our Mission
The Arts Leaders Forum, is dedicated to advocating for the arts and culture nonprofit organizations in Nassau County, Florida. Our mission is to support and educate local art leaders to foster a vibrant community that values artistic expression and events.
THE ORGANIZATIONS
Amelia Community Theatre – ameliacommunitytheatre.org
Amelia Island Book Festival – Literacy | Amelia Island Book Festival | Florida
Amelia Island Jazz Festival – ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
Amelia Island Museum of History – ameliamuseum.org
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival – ameliachambermusic.org
Amelia Musical Playhouse – ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
Friends of the Nassau County Library – fernandinafol.org
Island Art Association – islandart.org
West Nassau Historical Society – wnhsfl.org
Amelia Island Singers – ameliaislandsingers.com
Amelia Island Quilt Guild – ameliaquilters.org
Amelia Island Writers Assoc. – ameliaislandwriters.org
Amelia Island Dance Festival – ameliaislanddancefestival.org
Arts Alive Nassau – artsalivenassau.org
Amelia Island Opera – ameliaislandopera.org
Blue Fire Theatre – bluefiretheatre.org
Country Star Quilters – countrystarquilters.org
Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture – StoryandSongArts.org
Friends of Fort Clinch – fortclinch.org
Friends of American Beach – friendsofamericanbeach.org
Yulee Historic Council – https://www.facebook.com/groups
Pirates Club of Fernandina Beach – fernandinapirates.com
Northeast FL Fair – www.neflfair.org
Nassau Community Band – https://www.facebook.com/NassauCommunityBand/
West Nassau Arts Alliance- facebook.com/@wnaasocial
ABOUT THE ARTS LEADERS FORUM
Forum Members
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
We have been promoting the arts in our community for over 5 years. Our organization was founded by a group of passionate artists who wanted to make a difference in their community.
2.23.2026 meeting notes:
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
Our purpose is to provide a forum for the arts and culture organization leaders to Connect the leaders; Confer with county and city leaders; and Collaborate among the organizations. We also provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with other creatives in the community. We aim to promote diversity, creativity, and collaboration in the arts for all in Nassau County, FL
Our Events
Vision and Purpose
Our Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Our events are open to everyone and are a great way to get involved in the arts community.
MAKE MUSIC DAY 2026
JUNE 21. Amelia Island
See 2026 musicians at
www.makemusicday.org/nassaucounty
DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
A HEALTHY DEMOCRACY NEEDS THE ARTS
Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration our founders signed was an act of imagination as much as it was an act of governance. Ever since, artists, writers, musicians, poets, and culture bearers have done the hard work of testing that promise: telling our stories, challenging our assumptions, and expanding what America means.
America250 is a moment for celebration and reflection, but a healthy democracy depends on that work every day. At Americans for the Arts, we believe arts and humanities are core to who we are as people and as a nation. Every community, every story, every voice should be heard. A single narrative is not enough.
That belief led us, through deep conversations with AFTA’s staff and board, to a renewed Vision Statement. Now is the right time to share it:
We envision a nation where freedom of creative expression is upheld as a fundamental human right, where arts and culture are woven into the fabric of civic life, resourced in every community, and accessible to everyone.
This is our north star, and it demands sustained investment in artists, organizations, and the federal agencies that make it possible. Congress is in session until August recess, with funding for the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and arts education all on the table. The decisions made now will shape this country for years.
The stakes are high, but so is the opportunity. A new national survey that we commissioned found that 77% of Americans want America250 to bridge divides and build belonging. Across political lines, people are choosing unity. The arts are how we get there.
Erin Harkley, CEO Americans for the Arts
Reviews
What Arts & Community Leaders are saying-
Under the leadership of Richard at NCAC, this group deserves all the support that our area's government and private groups can give them. They do indeed make a difference.
- John Hendricks, President, West Nassau Historical Society.
I am writing to endorse Richard Restiano. I have had the privilege of collaborating closely with Richard and observed his unwavering commitment to enhancing the arts and culture landscape of our county.
- Kim Rust, Director, Arts Alive Nassau.
On behalf of the Yulee Historic Council, I would like to express our appreciation for the work and mission of Richard Restiano and NCAC. Through his efforts key people around the county have now been introduced to our project- a living museum depicting life in early Nassau County. His efforts in introducing me to key leaders has been a great start. We are thankful for Richard and The arts council in Nassau.
- Angie McClellan, President, Yulee Historic Council.
One of the most promising and influential events in which I have participated has been the bi-annual Arts Leaders Forum, organized by Richard Restiano. Joining over 25 different arts organizations and their leaders, the commitment and engagement of individuals and their group goals were both powerful and enlightening. I highly support the efforts of Mr. Restiano in his goals and efforts for the arts.
- Ann Freemen, Board Member, Friends of the Library
Richard, you came along and breathed new life in the arts council and it has been my pleasure to participate in the Arts Leaders Forum which you established. It brings together the growing number of organizations together to exchange ideas and foster collaborative events and agendas. I thank you for your leadership.
- Marla J. McDaniel, Amelia Island Writers Festival.
Richard, your work to improve the appreciation, accessibility, and cultural opportunities for the arts makes our community a more vibrant place to live.
- Aaron Bean, Member of Congress
THANK YOU ALL. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND CONTINUE TO GROW THEM COUNTY-WIDE. RR.
Hello
Experience Art and Culture locally.
. Explore our diverse range of art programs, exhibits, and events. Join us to experience the magic of art.
LEARN MORE-