In 1975, a group of art-loving citizens held the first Mount Dora Arts Festival. It was a small event, but it was a big success. It was decided to have an Arts Festival every year. In 1984, many of these same citizens of Mount Dora banded together to form, what was then called, "Mount Dora Cultural Council." It was their goal to celebrate the arts in Mount Dora, as well as further promote and improve the quality of the Arts Festival, which was staffed by volunteers and funded through membership dues and private contributions. By 1985 "The Cultural Council," moved into 138 East 5th Avenue, where it still is located today. More people joined "The Cultural Council," and in 1986, the Board of Trustees changed the name to what is now known as Mount Dora Center for the Arts.
The Mount Dora Center for the Arts, has provided quality art experiences in the Lake County Region of Central Florida, ever since.