Who We Are – What We Do

Founded in 1788 to provide income for Innes Academy, the 1st free school in NC, the oldest community theatre group in the US

1851 The Association provides a carved stone memorial to the Washington Monument Society to support building of the monument.  The only civic cultural organization in America to contribute

1855-1858 builds a combination civic center & theatre with the City Of Wilmington, Thalian Hall

1994 Assumes management of the Hannah Block Historic USO Building/Community Arts Center for the City

1995 Originated Orange Street ArtsFest to support visual arts in the Cape Fear, promote downtown Wilmington & the HBHUSO/CAC

2007 Designated the Official Community Theatre of NC

 

2025

Arts are a huge economic driver in Wilmington, attracting visitors and new residents as well. The 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity Survey announced that the non-profit arts & culture industry in New Hanover County generated $75,595,580 in annual economic activity, 11.4 million in local, state, & federal revenues with the equivalent of 1285 full time jobs. Thalian Association, the Official Community Theatre of NC has been the cultural foundation of the Cape Fear region for 236 years and is a major attraction for visitors and new area residents. Today our support includes:

  • Five shows annually Main Stage Thalian Hall, providing more than $90,000 annual income for the historic building
  • Five Youth Theatre shows at the HBHUSO/Community Arts Center providing youth ages seven through high school senior free theatre training and performance opportunities
  • Theatre arts education classes that are very affordable for area children with scholarship opportunities upon request (TACT Academy)
  • The Donn Ansell scholarship to deserving high school seniors who are serious students of the theatre and plan to further their theatrical education following graduation
  • Free special school performances of Youth Theatre productions to designated Cape Fear Region Title 1 elementary and middle schools plus school with stated need with Sensory Friendly Performances for New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick County Elementary, Middle, and High School students
  • Management of the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington and offer rehearsal and classroom space at little to no charge for visual & performance arts as well as partnering with other organizations for community events
  • Creative Arts Camp, the area’s largest performing and visual arts summer day camp for children ages four through high school senior
  • Providing the venue for the NC Azalea Festival Official Juried Art Show, High School Students Art Exhibition, and host the Official NC Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest at the Community Arts Center
  • Orange Street ArtsFest every Memorial Day weekend, one of the largest and most popular downtown arts festivals
  •  ARTfall Exhibition at the HBHUSO/CAC, for emerging and established artists