MISSION STATEMENT
To nurture excellence and diversity to improve the social fabric and quality of life for Savannah’s citizens, regardless of income, education, disabilities, or ethnicity; and to provide leadership in fostering programs that educate and expose citizens to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions, to support artistic programs that celebrate creativity, create educational opportunities, encourage economic growth and enhance Savannah’s reputation as a cultural destination.
The Department of Cultural Affairs is comprised of 10 staff members and a 19-member Cultural Affairs Commission. The commission, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen, meets every other month to review programming and recommend purchases of cultural services from eligible arts organizations. Services are categorized according to the following initiatives: Access & Education, Festivals and Cultural Tourism. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every other month at 6 p.m. at 9 West Henry Street.
Functions of the Department of Cultural Affairs' staff include: marketing services; technical assistance to cultural organizations; in-house production of programs for youth, theatrical productions, festivals and visual arts classes; and oversight of the contracts for cultural services with outside organizations.
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Cultural Affairs Commission
Dessie Bacon
Betty Bess
Judy Bryan
Peggy Blood
Tony Center
Joe Driggers
Gretchen Ernest
Raymond Gaddy
Linda J. Evans
Michael Gaster
Jan Kramer, Chair
Jim Morekis
LaSandra Reese
Janet Steffen
Rev. Dr. Clarence T. Williams, Jr.
Staff
Eileen Baker, Director
Lisa Bradley, Visual Arts Coordinator
Amanda Drescher, Theatre Specialist
Michelle Hunter, Contracts for Cultural Services Coordinator
Shebell Lockhart, Administrative Assistant
Matt Maggioni, Visual Arts Specialist
Elizabeth "Ellie" Pyle, Theatre Arts Coordinator
Daisy Williams, Administrative Assistant
Debra Zumstein, Arts Programs Coordinator
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1027
Savannah, GA 31402
Physical Address
9 West Henry Street
(Between Bull & Whitaker Streets)
Directions
Main Office
(912) 651-6417
Main Fax
(912) 651-3677
Visual / Theatre Arts
(912) 651-6783
TDD #
(912) 351-3435
The activities of the Department of Cultural Affairs are supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. The Council is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
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