The Columbia Music Festival Association projects, programs and successes are the result of people working together for the good of the community – with an eye toward the future, not a myopic view of any single arts entity. CMFA is a partner with local government and the community.

The Ballet Alliance, the Tap Alliance, The Barre Association, Eboni Associates and The Auxiliary all promote active volunteerism for the arts. The Columbia Dance Alliance brings together dance professionals from throughout the state for conferences, workshops and master classes as well as showcasing the talents of other South Carolina dancers and dance companies in Columbia.

More than 175 people serve in leadership roles on the affiliate Boards of Directors. Columbia Music Festival Association is itself governed by a board of directors made up of volunteers from the community, representatives from the affiliate groups and commissioners appointed directly to CMFA by both Richland County and the City of Columbia. More than 600 people work with CMFA and its affiliates “to make the arts happen” each year.