Town guide · Coastal Plain
Oak Island
A town in Brunswick County, home to 9,337 people.
33.92° N · -78.13° W · Brunswick County
FRay Arts IndexGrade · see the report card ↓Events in Oak Island
On in town this week
Every art form on one list, each in its own color. Sample events — illustrative dates
All Oak Island eventsNothing posted for the next few weeks yet.
Make it a weekend
More towns in Coastal Plain
Ray Arts Foundation · North Carolina
Report Card
Ray Arts Index · 2026
- Town
- Oak Island
- County
- Brunswick County
- Standing
- #54 of 60 graded towns
| Subject | Weight | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Local government supportExtra weightArts budget, arts office, grants, parks & rec arts | 18% | C |
| Arts educationExtra weightSchool district arts programs, arts schools and camps | 12% | F |
| Arts placesVenues, museums and galleries | 18% | F |
| ActivityArts events each month | 13.5% | F |
| FestivalsActive arts festivals | 13.5% | F |
| Arts organizationsArts nonprofits and their budgets | 13.5% | F |
| Creative economyArts businesses and working artists | 7% | F |
| HeritageLong-running arts institutions and history groups | 4.5% | Inc. |
Overall
F
HonorsNone yet
Marking scaleA 80+ · B 65+ · C 50+ (national typical) · D 35+ · F below 35 · Inc. not yet measured
Teacher’s remarks
The Ray Arts Index gives extra weight to local government support and arts education, because public investment in the arts, and in teaching it, is how creative communities grow.
For community leadersWhere Oak Island has the most room to grow, and the next steps that would raise its grade. Show the breakdownHide the breakdown
Where Oak Island has the most room to grow
- Festivals (grade F)
- Activity (grade F)
- Arts places (grade F)
Next steps
- List every recurring arts festival with its dates, so it counts.
- Ask venues and arts groups to post their dates or an events feed, so activity is measured, not missed.
- Ask venues, museums and galleries to claim their listings and add seating capacity.
- Add founding years to long-running venues, festivals and arts groups.
- Request the full Oak Island advisory report from the Ray Arts Foundation.
Free for venues, groups and artists
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