Cain Center for the Arts

Cain Center for the Arts is a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of providing exceptional visual arts, performing arts, and social experiences to the Lake Norman Region. Founded in 2016, the organization operates two arts facilities in downtown Cornelius, NC, and offers programs in arts education, performing arts, and community impact. 

Following an eight-year journey and a successful $25 million capital campaign, Cain Center for the Arts opened its new arts and community center in downtown Cornelius in January 2023. The 34,000-square-foot building sits upon a 1.6-acre site and includes a 400-seat. The site surrounding the center also includes a public plaza and downtown greenspace/park. The organization also operates the Cornelius Arts Center, directly behind the Cain Center, which is located in Historic Oak Street Mill. The Cornelius Arts Center houses a second art gallery, additional classrooms, and the very popular ceramics program. 

More than just a place for the community to attend arts events and classes, Cain Center is committed to making the arts accessible to everyone in the Lake Norman Region. Through numerous community impact initiatives such as the Community Music Lesson Program, Arts in Schools program, and Arts & Communities Program, the center provided arts opportunities to over 5000 residents in 2022-2023.