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“It’s an environment that is safe and inclusive and creative, and really feels just like a big family.”

Kim Parker, Alabama Center for the Arts

From studio art to graphic design to acting to music technology and everything in between, Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur has something for you.

Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) houses the Calhoun Community College and Athens State University art programs.

Phillippia Fuqua, a native North Alabamian, former student and now teacher at ACA, worked in several different industries before landing at ACA.

“I can really just immerse myself in the art for the first time in my life,” says Fuqua.

If an art degree is not what you’re looking for, the ACA has plenty of opportunities to participate in activities on the campus.

“We do plays and musicals all the time. We have concerts. A lot of the time Athens State will open their auditions to community members. There’s always something in the gallery,” says Parker.

Some of these productions can be seen at the Princess Theatre, downtown Decatur’s iconic landmark dating back to 1887.

The Alabama Center for the Arts is positively welcoming to all.

For more information about classes or events at ACA, visit https://alabamacenterforthearts.org/.

The ACA is currently accepting applications for “The Project 2024: The Art Buffet,” a 2-week summer camp experience, open to students ages 15-19. The program offers students the opportunity to work with faculty and professional artists free of charge. The application closes on April 17, 2024.