Averitt Center for the Arts
The mission of the Statesboro Arts Council, operating under the name David H. Averitt Center for the Arts, is to provide quality arts opportunities for our community and to serve as a centerpiece for a vibrant, historic downtown.
OUR OFFERINGS INCLUDE:
- Professional Exhibit Season in the Main Gallery!
- Professional Performance Season in the Emma Kelly Theater!
- Youth Programs in Theater, Ballet, Chorale and Visual Arts
- Community/Special Events and Exhibits throughout the year!
We are committed to excellence and quality arts experiences for our patrons!
The Averitt Center, operated by the Statesboro Arts Council, receives funding from grants through various sources which include the City of Statesboro, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and Southern Arts Federation.
Buildings
The buildings making up the David H. Averitt Center for the Arts are a unique combination of two downtown Statesboro historic landmarks.
The Bank of Statesboro was chartered in 1891 and formally opened its doors in 1895. Bulloch County's first bank survived many hurdles in its 37 year run. Relocating for the third time in 1911, the Bank of Statesboro moved to 33 East Main Street and continued serving the community until the stock market crash of 1929, and forever closed its doors in December of 1932. Although the Bank of Statesboro never reopened, the building was utilized in many different capacities until the City of Statesboro bought it in 1997 to house the David H. Averitt Center for the Arts.
The Georgia Theater was built as a "motion picture theater" and opened for business in 1936. Featuring modern conveniences such as steam heat and a coffee shop in the lobby, the Georgia Theater was also one of the first air-conditioned public buildings in Statesboro. Entertaining audiences for close to 50 years, the theater closed in the 1980's. Named after a Statesboro musical legend, this building is known as the Emma Kelly Theater
Explore Related Categories
