Mayor Proclaims April as Arts & Culture Month in Columbus, Georgia

Mayor B. H. "Skip" Henderson III issued an official City of Columbus Proclamation designating April as Arts & Culture Month in Columbus. The proclamation was announced at today’s City Council Meeting, and marks the first time Columbus has had a designated month celebrating the arts since the Fall of 2019.

“Arts and Culture are a vital part of any community,” said Mayor Henderson. “Here in Columbus, we recognize and celebrate the value of the arts.  To build a sense of place within our community, it is significantly important that art- in some form - is a part of our daily lives!” 

Arts and Culture Month in Columbus will be commemorated this year by ArtsFest, a new month-long festival highlighting the important contribution the arts make to an increased quality of life and the continued economic development of the city and surrounding areas throughout the year.

Encompassing more than 70 events in 30 days, ArtsFest is designed to encourage Columbus residents to engage with the arts by attending designated events produced by organizations in the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance that feature the work of hundreds of Columbus artists and creative professionals. These events include theatrical shows, indoor and outdoor concerts, dance performances, arts exhibitions, educational programming, and more.

“The Columbus Arts and Cultural Alliance is honored by the mayor’s proclamation and thrilled to invite the community to enjoy what we hope will become an annual event,” said Danielle Varner, chair of the Columbus Arts and Cultural Alliance. “In addition to the many offerings our member organizations provide, this month-long celebration is also an opportunity to highlight the economic impact of arts and culture on our local economy. Residents are encouraged to attend an event - or several - have a great time, and continue to support the arts.” 

In celebration of Arts & Culture Month, the public is invited to attend a free community-wide ArtsFest Block Party on Saturday, April 20 from 9AM-Noon at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. The event will include live music, family-friendly activities, a selection of local arts organizations with information about upcoming programming, a Pop Up Exhibition featuring the work of Columbus artists, a selection of plein air painters, an instrument petting zoo for children, a self-guided tour of Columbus art galleries, and more.

The purpose of Arts & Culture Month in Columbus, Georgia is to raise awareness about the impactful work Columbus’ arts organizations, artists, and creative professionals are producing throughout the community every day.

“While Arts & Culture Month is a perfect time to celebrate the work of our local arts organizations, educators, and artists, the reality is Columbus’ arts & culture programming initiatives are this robust year round,” said Carrie Beth Wallace, Arts Liaison to the Mayor’s Office and founder of The Columbusite. “We are fortunate to live in a community where the arts are making such a profound impact on the quality of life for residents every day. The arts are an active part of the economic development in Columbus, Georgia, and Arts & Culture Month is a wonderful way to continue telling this important part of Columbus’ story. I hope the community will join us in celebrating all month long.”

To learn more about ArtsFest, click here.