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 quarterly 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. 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.
Area Arts Organization Links--click here to view our collaborating organizations
2008 Cultural Affairs Commission
Dessie Bacon
Betty Bess
Peggy Blood
Otis Brock, III
Tony Center
Joe Driggers
Lillian W. Ellis
Gretchen Ernest
Linda J. Evans
Danny Filson
Carol Greenberg
Monifa Johnson
Jan Kramer, Chair
Adrienn Mendonca
Jim Morekis
LaSandra Reese
Charlotte Brawner Sauers
Janet Steffen
Staff
Eileen Baker, Director
Debra Zumstein, Arts Programs Coordinator
Michelle Hunter, Contracts for Cultural Services Coordinator
Kathleen Sizemore, Marketing Coordinator
DJ Queenan, Theatre Arts Coordinator
Kelli Johnson, Visual Arts Coordinator
Lisa Bradley, Ceramics Specialist
Amanda Drescher, Theatre Specialist
Daisy Williams, Administrative Assistant
Shebell Lockhart, Administrative Assistant
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1027
Savannah, GA 31402
Physical Address
9 West Henry Street
(Between Bull & Whitaker Streets)
Main Office
(912) 651-6417
Main Fax
(912) 651-3677
Visual / Performing 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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