The Royal Oak Arts Council, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 volunteer organization, began more than 50 years ago to increase the visibility of the art community at large. The group and those it supports include artists – both fine and performing, students and art organizations in and around the community of Royal Oak.
The major focus of the ROAC has been to support local art organizations and provide scholarships to Royal Oak students. One of those partnerships is with the City of Royal Oak’s Recreation Department to present the Annual Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair. Together we plan and present the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair, now in its 52nd year. A nationally recognized, juried event, the fair draws fine artists from across the country to our beautiful shaded, tree-lined Memorial Park for a weekend of free family fun and entertainment.
The Council also works with the Royal Oak Public Library to feature local artists throughout the year. Works of art are on display in the showcase just inside the south entrance of library.
Donations and a share of the profits from the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair help us to support local arts organizations in the form of grants. Local organizations who have received grants in the past have been Common Ground Art Therapy Program – Pontiac, the Royal Oak Children’s Choir, the Royal Oak Concert Band, the Royal Oak Handbell Choir, the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra, the South Oakland Artists Association, Stagecrafters Theatre Group, and Water Works Theatre – Shakespeare in the Park Summer Program.