AEC Vision . . . to instruct and delight through the arts. AEC Mission . . . to provide unique programs in the arts that celebrate and promote learning, creative expression, and the power of ideas for adults and children. AEC History The Arts & Education Council (AEC) is a non-profit organization that began in 1952 as the Adult Education Council, and was one of 12 pilot agencies founded by a Ford Foundation grant. In 1983, the Adult Education Council changed its name to the Arts & Education Council to more accurately reflect its outreach in Chattanooga. The AEC is the only organization of the 12 still in existence. The AEC is governed by a 30-member Board of Directors and has a staff of three. Programs include the Conference on Southern Literature, Conference outreach programs for students, A Reader's Feast, CultureFest, TheatreExpress Drama Series, Spring and Fall Independent Film Series, Future Focus Literacy Through Photography, and current affairs television programs Point of View and First Sunday. For information on these programs please click here. The AEC receives support from Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, Tennessee Arts Commission, local and regional foundations, corporations, community, and individual contributors.