The quality of life in a community can be measured by its support of the arts. Various cultural alliances enrich the Elizabeth City area with live stage performances, art exhibits, and concerts.

College of the Albemarle's Center Stage is a performing arts series whose purpose is to bring professional entertainment to northeastern North Carolina. Elizabeth City State University's Lyceum Series annually presents nationally known artists, lecturers, and performing groups.

The Museum of the Albemarle is one of three regional branch museums of the North Carolina Museum of History. The museum's exhibits offer the visitor an understanding of the events that shaped the history of the Albemarle Area. A variety of changing exhibits supplement regional interpretation, focusing on specialized collections of areas of study. Plans are underway for the construction of a new fifty thousand square foot facility that will be located on the downtown Elizabeth City waterfront.

The Pasquotank Arts Council works energetically to enrich life in the Albemarle. Volunteers contribute to programs of cultural enrichment which include operation of a gallery with monthly exhibits, annual art shows and competitions, children's programs, and sponsorship of the Community Concerts program.

Watermark Association of Artisans, Inc., a worker-owned craft cooperative of seven hundred members from throughout northeastern North Carolina, is one of the most successful craft cooperatives in the country. Watermark wholesales products around the United States and in eight foreign countries. Some of the companies for which Watermark supplies gifts and decorative accessories are Ralph Lauren, Esprit Clothing International, Neiman Marcus Department Stores, Bob Timberlake, Disney World, and QVC Cable Shopping Channel. Watermark's retail shop in Camden displays heritage and contemporary artistry created locally with many of the items being original creations. Watermark also operates a training center where people can receive training in craft skills.