Mission
The mission of the Division of Cultural Affairs is to promote cultural activity in Alachua County and develop mechanisms that support and encourage community-based cultural resources. We define "cultural" to include ethnic, ecological, and historic resources, as well as the fine and popular arts.

History
The City of Gainesville established an Office of Cultural Affairs in 1979. Present staff consists of 12 full time and several part time positions. Ten to twelve interns and several part time volunteers provide us with approximately 5,000 hours per year of unpaid assistance, in addition to the 250-300 hours of time donated by program volunteers. Funds are generated by facility rentals for social and community events, festivals, programs, grants, or are derived from the City. Unlike most of Florida's local arts agencies, the Division of Cultural Affairs is not a membership organization.

The Division of Cultural Affairs provides grant information and technical assistance to cultural agencies, maintains a mailing list of over 10,000 individuals and organizations, produces the Master Calendar of Events (MCE), and acts as an information source for the area. The Division operates the Thomas Center, the Tench Building Artist Studios, Evergreen Cemetery and programs held at the Gainesville Community Plaza. It also coordinates and promotes the Thomas Center Galleries, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, the Downtown Festival & Art Show, eco-heritage tourism, performing arts programs, and serves as the Local Arts Agency for Alachua County. The Division supports community events by coordinating city support services and permits regulating and promoting events within the City of Gainesville.