A private, nonprofit arts agency, the Humboldt Arts Council was formed in 1966 to serve in a rural county with a vibrant arts community. HAC incorporated as a private, California 501©3 in 1971, became the state/local partner of the California Arts Council in 1987, and became owners and operators of the Morris Graves Museum of Art in 2000. HAC is also the owner of the Romano Gabriel Sculpture Garden in Eureka, acquired in 2012. As a lead participant in community arts planning for over five decades, HAC has contributed significantly to the current level of maturity and vitality of Humboldt arts and culture.