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South Fulton to open renovated Black Box Theater; launches public art collection and expanded arts programs
Summary
John Geertzen, director of cultural affairs for the City of South Fulton, said the city will soon open a renovated Black Box Theater at the Southwest Arts Center, has begun its first public art collection with acquisitions for civic buildings, and provided arts instruction to more than 1,800 students in 2024.
John Geertzen, director of cultural affairs for the City of South Fulton, said the city will soon open the renovated Black Box Theater at the Southwest Arts Center and has launched the city’s first public art collection while expanding arts-education programs that served more than 1,800 students in 2024.
“This project is a major milestone in our mission to expand accessible cultural spaces right here in the city of South Fulton,” Geertzen said, describing the Black Box as “a multi use venue ... designed to host a variety of events, from intimate performances and interactive workshops to educational classes and community gatherings.” He also said, “one of our most significant achievements this year is the unveiling of the newly renovated Black Box Theater at the Southwest Arts Center, set to open soon.”
Geertzen said the theater has been outfitted with advanced lighting, sound and stage equipment intended to support a wider range of performances and technical training. City staff presented the work as part of a broader effort in 2024 to expand accessible cultural spaces and programming.
He said the Department of Cultural Affairs curated more than 20 art exhibits at the Southwest Arts Center during 2024 and selected works for public display in civic buildings, including the Administration Building and the new City Hall. Geertzen described those acquisitions as marking “the beginning of our city's first public art collection.” He added, “This collection is more than art,” saying it reflects community identity and beautifies shared spaces.
On arts education, Geertzen said the Southwest Arts Center provided instruction to more than 1,800 students across visual arts, dance, theater and technical arts, with classes for a range of ages and a program serving older adults he described as the Seasoned Artist program for the 55-plus community. He said the programs aim to inspire creativity and build skills but did not provide specific attendance breakdowns or program budgets.
Geertzen did not specify an exact opening date for the Black Box Theater, the funding sources for the renovations and programs, or the long-term schedule for public-art acquisitions. He closed by thanking community members for supporting efforts to make South Fulton “a thriving hub for art, culture, and community connection.”
