The Council is a body of fifteen members appointed by the Governor for six-year terms to help promote the arts statewide. A primary responsibility of the Council is to make decisions on grants awarded to support art programs and arts education throughout the state. Members come from diverse areas and backgrounds, ranging from arts educators to professional artists and arts advocates to community arts volunteers.

Click on a Council member's name to view their biography.

2026-2027 Council Chairs and Officers

• John C. Coleman, Dothan – Council Chair
• Ceil Jenkins Snow, Birmingham – Council Vice Chair
• Kim Mitchell, Decatur – Council Secretary

Members of the Council Board

• Tori Lee Averett, Troy
• Dr. Rachel Brown Fowler, Birmingham
• Julie Hall Friedman, Fairhope
• Mario Gallardo, Gadsden
• Dr. Ramona Hyman, Harvest
• Dr. Tina Naremore Jones, Livingston
• Dr. Rob Lyda, Auburn
• Barbara Patton, Opelika
• Dr. Henry Panion III, Birmingham
• Sontonia T. K. Stephens, Northport
• Lisa Blach Weil, Alexander City
• Gary Whitley Jr., Huntsville

For more about agency structure and leadership, click here.