A Sign of Growth

Freedman Arts District is on the move — and Beaufort is growing with us.

If you’ve walked past the Beaufort Visitor Center lately, you may have spotted a bright new sign nestled beneath the display — a small yellow square carrying a big message: Freedman Arts District is growing.

For the last two years, our home at 1401 Duke Street has been the launchpad for creativity in Beaufort. It has supported artist workshops, youth programming, Mistletoe Market, Artists Sunday, Chalk It Up!, and countless moments of community connection. But as our programs expanded, our space stayed the same, and we’ve officially outgrown it.

Today, we are thrilled to share that Freedman Arts District is moving into The Arsenal on Craven Street — one of Beaufort’s most historic and beloved landmarks.

This move represents so much more than a change of address. It marks a powerful step forward for our mission and for Beaufort’s flourishing creative community.

The Arsenal offers:

✨ More indoor space for classes, workshops, and exhibitions

✨ A walkable, central location for residents and visitors

✨ Expansive outdoor areas perfect for events and interactive programming

✨ A meaningful historic setting that aligns with our mission of preservation, culture, and creativity

We are incredibly thankful to the Beaufort History Museum and the Visitors Bureau for helping make this move a reality. Their partnership, support, and belief in our mission have opened the door, literally, to a new chapter for the arts in downtown Beaufort. We are so excited to work closely with them as we grow and activate the Arsenal space together.

As our organization continues to expand, this move allows us to deepen our arts education, welcome more artists, host larger community events, and invite visitors into an inspiring environment that reflects the heart of Beaufort.

Most importantly, it strengthens the connection between our work and the vibrancy of downtown, helping support local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and the creative economy that makes our city so special.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be preparing the space, planning new programming, and getting ready to open our doors. We cannot wait to welcome you into our beautiful new home.

For now, consider this bright little sign at the Visitor Center a hint of what’s ahead:Growth. Creativity. Community.And an exciting new chapter for the Freedman Arts District.

Stay tuned — the best is yet to come.