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Two
Ptolemaic Period Egyptian mummies are on permanent exhibit in "Ancient
Egypt" at the Anniston Museum of Natural History.A new agency in the region has as its mission promoting arts and culture throughout the 12 counties in Central Alabama.
The Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham, announced in September 2003, will serve as a resource to arts and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists, said executive director Kathy Yarbrough.
“The mission is to ensure that the goals and strategies of
the master plan, which established a broad agenda for strengthening
arts and culture regionally based on the community’s needs,
are carried out,” said Ms. Yarbrough, who was hired in March
2004 after a national search.
Among the work of the Alliance: Raise funds for arts and cultural organizations;
be the primary voice and advocate for the cultural community; facilitate collaboration
within the cultural community; provide technical assistance and facility rental
subsidies for arts organizations; and develop, coordinate and promote cultural
education.
The formation of the Alliance was one of the key recommendations of the Arts and Culture Master Plan, released in March 2003 by Region 2020 and The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
The Alliance will be involved in economic development, cultural education, neighborhood development, and public art and festivals.
The 22-member Alliance board, announced in September 2003, is made up of arts, education, civic and business leaders, elected officials and cultural patrons from across Central Alabama. Kate Nielsen, President of The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, is Chair of the Alliance.
“This is an exciting time for the arts in our community,’’ Ms. Nielsen said.
“As we begin to implement the Arts and Culture Master Plan, the cultural community will be strengthened. We anticipate many benefits – increased partnerships within the cultural community, increased public awareness of the importance of the arts, greater financial stability of organizations, increased arts and cultural education programs for our children – a true renaissance of arts throughout the community,” she said.
Funds also are being secured for operations and early Alliance initiatives. AmSouth Bank has committed $90,000 over three years to fund the Alliance.
Development of an arts and culture master plan was a major Region 2020 initiative. The completion of the plan accomplished an important Region 2020 goal set by citizens, which was to develop a region that actively promotes and supports the arts and humanities, and provides more cultural opportunities for residents and tourists.
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham provided funding for the plan, along with other local foundations, The City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Commission, corporate sponsors, the Alabama State Council on the Arts and individual donors.
More:
Cultural Alliance's Homepage ...
From the Executive Director ...
Press Release Announcing Kathy Yarbrough’s hiring ...
Contacting the Cultural Alliance ...
