The CCA was founded in 1985 through the efforts of local citizens, and programs have evolved to answer the needs of the community. These programs include a community based artist-in-residence program that produces socially engaged public art projects; an exhibition program that features the work of local, regional, and national artists completing CCA projects; an education program that offers year-round educational opportunities for area youth; the One Mile Garden that has catalyzed small scale food production, celebrated and strengthened residents’ connections to the land and each other, and includes a central garden for growing, teaching and learning; and an installation of drawings and murals, Southern Sounds, created by residents to celebrate the history of the railroad, music and people of Sumter County.