Founded in 1979, The Roxbury Arts Group was as an outgrowth of our country's bicentennial celebration. At that time, Nancy Harding and John Hendry wanted to create the cultural opportunities they and others in the community longed for. Since then, in order to meet the expanding cultural needs of the community, the group has grown into one of the most comprehensive cultural organizations in the area.

In 1988 The Arts Group acquired a 1911 Classic Revival YMCA building, giving us a permanent home. The building purchase was made possible by a generous donation by Ms. Jane P. Watkins of New York City. After extensive, historically sensitive renovation, the 6000 sq./ft. building contains the Walter F. Meade gallery, The Hilt Kelly performance hall, and an upstairs dance studio and workshop space.

In 2000 The Arts Group acquired the historic Roxbury Bank building on Main St., right around the corner from the performance hall. The following year we were able to relocate our offices to this new space and give RAG an important village presence on Main St.

Since 1986, The Roxbury Arts Group has administered the Arts Decentralization Program for the New York State Council on the Arts. This program regrants funds to a broad range of smaller initiatives and non-profit organizations throughout Delaware County. Thus, we have grown to serve not only the needs of our immediate community, but became the lead agency in Delaware County.