The Goodland Arts Council began in 1978. It was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1979. It was originally housed in the new Goodland library. During the first five years, 16 art exhibits were sponsored in the library, four concerts were presented by local and guest artists, and cultural workshops were introduced to the schools. In October, 1983, the Council approached the Goodland city commission and proposed that the former Carnegie Public Library be used as an arts center. That request was approved and renovation began immediately with donated funds and labor. The Goodland Arts Council agreed to a 20 year lease on the building with the city responsible for maintenance of the building as well as for the utilities. In 2003 the City Commission agreed to extend the lease for another 5 years. On June 19, 1984, the building was opened as the Carnegie Arts Center. Since the opening, continuous exhibits have been displayed on a monthly basis. In addition, numerous workshops, recitals, demonstrations, lectures and concerts have been held. The Carnegie Arts Center does close its gallery during the month of January for annual cleaning, gallery scheduling and grant writing.