Thursday, June 19, 2014

Macon-Bibb Arts Advocacy Breakfast

Second Annual
Arts Advocacy Breakfast
June 19, 2014
at the
Historic Douglass Theatre

I enjoyed the opportunity to attend this event for the second year.  The Visual Art was student work from the following organizations:
Vineville Academy
Middle Georgia Art Association
Tubman Museum
Creative Alternative

All of the art work displayed was well executed and certainly reflects on the efforts of the above listed organizations to promote the visual arts in our Community.

The performing arts were from the following organizations:
Macon Music Teachers Association
Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra's Woodwind Qunitet
Middle Georgia Youth Ballet
Spirits- Riverside Cemetery
Theatre Macon

All of the performers certainly displayed top notch effort and were well received by those in attendance.  Of course you had to be in attendance to appreciate the efforts of these Artist ranging from about six years of age to mature adults.  Well Done to these organizations for showcasing what we have available right here in Middle Georgia.

From my own point of view, we must all promote the Visual and Performing Arts in our Community.  I noted a lack of diversity in the performers.  Certainly a real challenge as we proceed forward.  I know for a fact, having attended many Bibb County School Events over the past forty years, that we have many talented citizens who live among us.  We need to encourage and assist in the development of these artist and performers.  

The Keynote Address by Chris Allers, PhD, who is the Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant, Georgia center for Nonprofits gave us encouraging words as well as challenges as we strive to improve the living conditions right here in Middle Georgia.  

Several of his key phrases were:

What Will Be Our Legacy?
Schools/Employment/Place - all work together
to improve the Community!
Diversity in a Community is Vital if
we are to have an engaged Society
that is focused on the well being of all!
The Visual and Peforming Arts must be
aligned to the Community.
All of us need strong partnerships for the
Arts Organization which will
allow for a Community that promotes 
the well being of all citizens!!

Dr. Allers concluded his presentation with these words from a former President - L. B. Johnson:

"Art is a precious resource.  Where there is no vision people perish?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Great summary, Alan. I have a few thoughts to distill later, but I was impressed by the performances and the speakers.