ACAE is a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to support fine arts, theatre and musical performance by students in the Albany public schools. It is governed by a board with members drawn from the arts, academic and business communities. Board members serve without compensation.

Members of the larger community can participate in several ways: by becoming Patrons of the organization, by contributing art for ACAE's periodic auction events, by participating in these auctions, and by serving as members of ACAE's board. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

Teachers in the Albany public school system are invited to submit grant proposals for projects in art, theatre or music.