ABOUT
The Athens Area Arts Council is a non-profit arts organization whose goal is to integrate the vast cultural resources of Athens into the fabric of our educational system and economy, as well as the culture of our community. AAAC also seeks to sponsor unique performances and events that will broaden the exposure of the arts in our community in the areas of art, music, dance, theater and literature. Our mission, beginning in 2012, is to connect the arts to the community through promotion, education, and funding.
Do you have a question or suggestion? Would you like to get involved? Email us at athensareaartscouncil@gmail.com.
Our mailing address is:
Athens Area Arts Council
P.O. Box 122
Athens, GA 30603
Board Officers
President: Kristen Morales
Vice-president: Kate Cook
Secretary: Kisha Shelton
Treasurer: Mae Castanell
Board Members
Claire Benson (liaison to Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services)
Laura Bierema (consultant to the board)
Melanie Burden
Mae Castenell
Kate Cook
Melanie Croft
Nance Daniels
Sharron Hannon
Elizabeth Hovell
JoAnn Kolbus
Leslie Litt
Amy Miller
Kristen Morales
Farol Nesmith
Joelle Re-Arp Dunham
Sally Ross (past president)
Kisha Shelton
Kay Stanton
Katy Stephens
Yvonne Studevan
Joey Underwood
Valerie Aldridge (consultant to the board)
History
The Athens Area Arts Council is a Legacy Project of Athens 96, the group that coordinated local activities during the 1996 Olympics. After the Olympics, remaining funds were used for needed community projects. One of these was the creation of an arts council. After receiving input from the community in a series of public meetings, a Steering Committee was formed to develop a mission statement and draw up by-laws. The first board of directors was installed in January 1998. The Athens Area Arts Council is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization. We raise funds primarily through membership and donations.
The AAAC has been involved in many activities since its formation. In accordance to our purpose we have strived to fulfill needs in our community. Here is a list of some of our activities, programs and projects.
You Me and the Bus. A multi-year project to create 8 bus shelters that are installed along major transportation arteries in Athens. Shelters are music-themed and site-specific and transform utilitarian bus shelters into a work of art that enlivens the streetscapes along some of Athens’ most heavily traveled corridors and areas spurs revitalization in low-income neighborhoods. These bus stops help connect communities, encourage independence, and inspire creativity while providing safe shelters. These bus shelters have received international attention as public art! For example, see this article.
AAAC Newsletter. A monthly newsletter containing events in the visual arts, music, dance and theatre, calls for art, auditions, and other related events.
Arts Web site: www.athensarts.org. This site features links to a clearinghouse for all Athens arts members (artists, organizations, sponsors), arts resources, updates on AAAC projects, artist event calendar, membership forms and information about local arts.
Annual Meeting. Held yearly in a local arts venue, the annual meeting required in our by-laws is to increase awareness of the AAAC and arts in Athens, induct new board members, and increase our membership. This meeting has recently been held as Celebrate the Arts, a fund-raiser for You Me and the Bus project.
Public Art Awareness and Advocacy. We work with other local entities, such as the Downtown Development Authority and the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, to create projects like Art Decko and SPLOST-sponsored public art. Our organization also serves to advocate for installing local art in businesses and public spaces.
Umbrella Sponsorship. Non-profit status is lent to organizations whose activities mirror our mission. An application can be obtained from our website.
Panels and Seminar Discussion – Various seminars and panel discussions are held to provide useful information and professional development to local artists, musicians, writers, and performers.
Art Decko Mural Project. Students from all of the ACC public schools participated in creating mural panels which were installed in the College Avenue Parking Deck Stairwell.
KidsFest-Art. We sponsored activities for children during the annual AthFest musical event held in the summer.
Become a member by clicking here. Donations above the membership fees are tax deductible. SUPPORT THE ARTS!!!!
