Molly Hayden| For Savannah Morning News
Savannah has been waiting for the Cultural Arts Center for some time. After more than two years of construction, the center opened its doors in April 2019, only to close less than a year later due to the precautions taken by the city to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
Now, they are back with online classes, improved infrastructure, and a hopeful look into the future.
The temporary closure of the building was not in vain, said Stuart Miller, director of the cultural resources department for the city of Savannah. Miller stepped into his position in early February – six weeks before the center was forced to close.
“I was looking forward to learning about the lay of the land, but we evolved, we had to,” said Miller.
As the closure days turned into weeks and then months, they found new ways to serve the public.
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“The center was really just getting its legs. There was intrigue about what do to and how it could impact the larger community, and we are still working on that mission,” he said. “But the downtime gave us an opportunity to upgrade our lighting and sound systems and rethink the impact of our programming.”
The center, at 201 Montgomery St., is home to a 464-seat performing arts theater (named for the late Savannah jazz musician Ben Tucker), a black box theater, studios for dance and arts, a gallery and classroom space for creative arts like ceramics, metal and glass, to name a few.
Last year, as the doors opened, residents temporarily spilled into the creativity with film screening, art classes and interactive improve performances for the family.
And although the last year has forced the center to adjust, Miller said the mission hasn’t changed.
“It’s always been to engage the wide community with arts opportunities,” said Miller.
Miller said the state-of-the-art multifaceted building would now be maximized for both visual and performing arts. As such, they added a performance arts specialist on staff for upcoming theater-related programming.
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“Our first push is to remind Savannah that we are here, right now. They are invited to take classes online and when it’s time, they can come in to take a ceramic class, or watch a performance. This center is for them.”
Additionally, Miller stressed the importance of bringing art into the community.
“We understand that not everyone will be able to make it into our building, so we have an obligation to bring art to them, into schools and community centers. That art programming is important,” he said.
Miller continues to follow the city’s phased schedule for reopening. They are looking forward to that day, but trying to be patient. We all are.
In the meantime, online classes, interactive story time, upgraded theater programming, and art incentive grants continue.
Weave-A-Dream applications
Currently, the 2021 Weave-A-Dream application process is open for proposed projects.
Weave-A-Dream is a project-based grant program that supports the implementation of arts and cultural programs by small and emerging organizations. Proposed projects must be creative in nature and present cultural and arts programming that is free and open to all Savannahians, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects.
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Past Weave-A-Dream recipient agencies include the Starland Mural Project, whose Fence Art Project brought original, curated artwork from local artists to accessible outdoor locations, and the Morningstar Arts Creative, which partnered with the Savannah African American Art Museum to offer textile art activities for youth.
Applications are approved throughout the year until all funds are awarded or until Oct. 1. Applicants may request up to $5,000 in matching funds. Proposed programming must take place in the 2021 calendar year and within the city limits of Savannah.
Program applications and guidelines can be found atsavannahga.gov/arts. Weave-A-Dream applicants are asked to contact the Cultural Resources Contract Coordinator atscaccontracts@savannahga.govor 912-651-6783 to set up an online grant application account. Applications will be considered as they are submitted throughout the year.
The 2021 deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Oct. 1.Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by Cultural Affairs Commission members, who are appointed by the mayor and aldermen.
While the grant programs are ongoing, only phase three of the city’s reopening plan would bring folks back into the building. It’s what Miller looks forward to the most.
“Art is communal. It’s at its best when shared. It’s the greatest joy in my profession to see members of our community taking advantage of all we offer — taking art classes and being creative.”
But most importantly, Miller said, they just want to be able to do their jobs again.
“And our job is serving the arts community,” he said.
Molly Hayden is a local writer, photographer and problem-solver. This is her column about art. She can be reached at molly.a.hayden@gmail.com
Online
• Cultural Arts Center: savannahga.gov/500/Cultural-Resources
• Online classes: savannahga.gov/1041/Classes-Workshops
