Partnerships
River Clay Fine Arts Festival
River Clay Fine Arts Festival welcomes almost 60 artists from all over the United States to downtown Decatur in October. This two day event is a tourism draw for the city of Decatur and brings creativity and handiworks to our area. The Carnegie staff is an integral part of the River Clay steering committee and works as volunteers for the two day festival.
Alabama Center for the Arts
The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA), a collaborative partnership between Athens State University and Calhoun Community College offering degrees in fine art, design, music, and theater, is a great asset to the city and has created a wonderful opportunity for the Carnegie Visual Arts Center to partner with their faculty and students during Youth Art Month. The Carnegie works with the art teachers in the city and county school systems to celebrate the work of their students showcased in the gallery of the ACA during Youth Art Month. Daybreak Rotary Club provides the awards for the top students and all the parents, teachers and students are invited to a reception hosted at the ACA.
Alabama Arts Hall of Fame
Kim Mitchell, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center’s Executive Director, was honored to participate on the founding board and in the nomination of the first class of the Alabama Arts Hall of Fame housed in the Alabama Center for the Arts. The Carnegie continues its direct involvement with this honorary program.
Market on Bank
Market on Bank is a street festival hosted on the first Saturday of each month starting in May and running through October. The Carnegie staff, board and volunteers work with children and the young at heart creating chalk art and painting on Bank Street.
Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama
In 2016, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center partnered with the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama in a weekly ongoing outreach program. Decatur artist Jason Sharp teaches art to over 50 clients using art as a therapeutic exercise as well as a positive outlet for self-expression. This program is made possible by a grant from the estate of the late Vivian Conatser Turner.
“Kids Need Art” Scholarship Program
The “Kids Need Art” scholarship program is a partnership with our local art educators who nominate promising art students to continue their learning in the summer through Camp Carnegie. Each Grand Club Carnegie membership (or higher) includes the sponsorship of one child.