About HACA

We celebrate talent, drive, and imagination

The Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging the performing and visual arts which enhance our lives, inspire well-being and expose us to better ways of seeing our world. The organization was founded in the summer of 1983. It is an incorporated, non-profit 501(c)3 with a 15-member Board of Directors. Presidents through the years have been A. J. Ivie, Gordon Nereim, Pat Smalley, Jean Johnson, Rich Connor, Barbara Friedman, and Dr. Joe Hill.

Throughout its 39 years, HACA has produced acclaimed theatrical shows, art exhibits, children’s theater productions, chartered excursions, a Shakespeare Festival, and worked for five years on the Crescent Theater Project which aimed to rehabilitate and restore a local, historic theater building. HACA seeks to be a foundation and support for area arts groups such as the Arts in Motion children’s theater, Saint Leo University’s drama ministry, the Dade City Symphony, and arts events produced by A Moment with the Classics. Each year the organization gives a Talent Award to a young lady who receives the highest scores in the talent category of the scholarship pageants of Miss Pasco County and Miss Pasco County Fair.

One of the highlights of the social season in the Dade City area is our elegant Moonlight and Ivory February concert. The production showcases the visual artists of the area, as well as professionals and semi-professionals in the performing arts. The talent that comes together for the benefit of our community is extraordinary. It is a show you don’t want to miss!

Moonlight and Ivory is HACA’s primary fundraising event each year. With the funds garnered, we are able to provide A $1,000 Nereim Visual Arts Award, and the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship for performing arts, both given annually to a graduating senior.