The City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will dedicate a new arts center in South Bend Park on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 10 AM. The South Bend Center for Arts and Culture was built on the solid granite foundation of the old “Community Lodge” that originally stood behind South Bend Recreation Center. Both the community lodge and the recreation center were heavily damaged by fire in September 1996. But, like the phoenix that represents the rise of the City of Atlanta from the ashes of destruction, South Bend Center for Arts and Culture has been rebuilt. The exterior of the new facility was made to resemble the original building, built c. 1943, while the inside incorporates modern design features, which will allow both visual and performing arts programs to take place.
“South Bend Center for Arts and Culture will allow us to work with many established organizations in the community to make cultural arts programs more accessible. We look forward to the development of quality programs and community related activities through collaborations with our cultural community.”- Camille Russell Love, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs
South Bend Center for Arts and Culture can be reached from Lakewood Avenue, through the main entrance for South Bend Park. The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. The event will also serve as the unveiling of a Summer Mural installed in the building, which was created in a special studio this past summer. There will be a very brief performance by youth from the nearby Whitehead Boys and Girls Club, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Erin Bailey, at (404) 252-2927.
“Cultural experiences play an essential role in the quality of life of Atlanta residents and visitors, and the opening of the South Bend Center for Arts and Culture is a stellar example of our commitment to enhance the quality of life of our residents and visitors. South Bend Park is undergoing a remarkable transition and this latest addition showcases our commitment to raise the bar as we continue to make major improvements to our parks and facilities.”- Dianne Harnell Cohen, Commissioner - Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs
The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, was established in 1974 to encourage and support Atlanta’s cultural resources. In order to improve the social fabric and quality of life for Atlanta’s citizens and visitors, OCA is committed to nurturing excellence and diversity in the city’s artistic offerings. Acknowledging that the arts play an essential role in defining the cultural life of the city and contribute substantially to the city’s economy, our organization strives to enhance Atlanta’s reputation as a cultural destination. The OCA seeks to support programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expression and aspires to make arts available to everyone.
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For more information about this and services of the City of Atlanta visit our website at www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26