ACA - Atlantic Center for the Arts

Since its founding in 1977 by Doris Leeper, the Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) has been a guiding force for artists seeking growth, collaboration, and inspiration. Located in the peaceful surroundings of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, ACA was born from Leeper’s vision of a place where artists could connect deeply with their craft, the environment, and one another. As a non-profit multidisciplinary residency, ACA remains true to its original mission while evolving thoughtfully with the times.

Central to its identity is the Mentoring Artist Residency, a program that has welcomed more than 3,500 emerging and mid-career artists over the years. What sets ACA apart is its focus on process rather than production. Selected Associate Artists work closely with established Mentoring Artists across three-week sessions that foster exploration, experimentation, and meaningful dialogue. By bringing together artists from diverse disciplines—whether they are writers, visual artists, dancers, musicians, or other creators—ACA encourages the rich exchange of ideas that strengthens every participant’s practice.

In keeping with its tradition of innovation and community engagement, ACA has recently expanded its reach with the Community Arts and Wellness Initiative. Supported by The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, this program integrates the arts with health and wellness, aiming to uplift patients, caregivers, and the broader community through creative collaboration.

The Atlantic Center for the Arts honors the time-tested value of mentorship and artistic fellowship, embracing a future where art continues to heal, inspire, and unite. Its foundation in tradition, paired with its forward-looking initiatives, ensures that ACA remains a sanctuary where artists of all backgrounds can gather, grow, and share their voices for generations to come.