RAAC is a nonprofit community organization. Our mission is to create the opportunity for all residents of Rappahannock County to enrich their lives through exposure to the arts and to promote a sense of community in the County through workshops, dances, programs, concerts, school events, cinema, and such other activities that enhance our communal and artistic well being

RAAC came into being about 1982, when interested citizens got together to try to bring some organization to the many artistic and community events that were going on in Rappahannock County. The impending closing of the Magic Mountain Cinema and the desire to provide a venue for our own Rappahannock Players inspired these citizens. Freeman Allan had been operating the old theater and showing a rather eclectic selection of popular and underground movies for several years. The Rappahannock Players were a group of local thespians that were active in the county and had a large following. Their many plays are fondly remembered for the high degree of professionalism and entertainment value that these local amateurs achieved. The movies continue through today, The Rappahannock Players have not been active, as such, for several years, but many of the individual members continue to work in theater and to entertain us locally and in wider venues.

For the next 10 years, RAAC provided a home for local arts & community events at the Gay Street Theatre (now the Theatre at Little Washington) and produced concerts or events monthly, all with volunteer energy. One of the annual highlights, during these years, was the local talent show. At this point, RAAC gave up their home in the Theatre and now, with an active Board of Directors, produces concerts, workshops, school programs, and other events at the Theatre, the Rappahannock High School, and many other locations in the county. In the first few years, RAAC employed an executive director to assist and coordinate the volunteer work. For several years now, RAAC has carried out its mandate with volunteers only. The Rappahannock Association for the Arts is thought to be a model community arts organization by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. RAAC also hosts an annual membership party.