Arts staff distribute new guide, preview Cultural Arts Master Plan and Arcadia Academy transition

Arts and culture staff distributed a fall‑to‑winter Arts & Culture Guide, reviewed seasonal programming at the Spotlight and said the city will present a Cultural Arts Master Plan to the City Council for consideration. Kim, identified in the packet as an arts staff member, told the commission a printed guide is available that lists events, the Art Help program and partnered cultural events; the guide includes a calendar of festivals, gallery shows and performances at the Spotlight arts venue. "We're very proud of that," Kim said, noting programming this season will include acting classes, a kids’ cabaret, Matilda Junior and community performances including a School of Rock finale concert. Kim described Arcadia Academy’s relationship with the Alfredo Presbyterian Church and said Arcadia is expanding beyond the church after Act 1 transfers its theater group to Arcadia when the group secures 501(c)(3) status. "Act 1 will still exist within the church... Arcadia is branching out, and they'll have shows throughout the city in different theaters," Kim said. Kim said the Cultural Arts Master Plan is available online and consultant Morgan will present it at a City Council workshop on Monday, Aug. 18; staff hopes the council will move the plan toward a final vote on Aug. 20. "If council does pass that on the 18th, we hope to move it forward for final approval on the 20th," Kim said. Other announcements included two new murals on the Alpha Loop, plans to add two sculptures, an Atlanta Collage Society gallery installation and an Alfredo Symphony concert on Sept. 19; staff encouraged commissioners and the public to review the online materials and contact staff with questions.