Peach Tree Times

State Representative Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), chairman of the House Rules Committee, has announced that the Karrh Community Arts Center will receive a one-time grant of $250,000. This funding is allocated under House Bill 915, the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The Special Project funds are administered by the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The council's role is to empower Georgia's arts industry and artists to cultivate communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity.

“I am thrilled to announce this significant grant for the Karrh Community Arts Center,” said Rep. Butch Parrish. “The arts are a vital part of our community’s identity and contribute immensely to our quality of life. This grant signifies a significant investment in the arts and cultural enrichment of Swainsboro and surrounding areas. I commend the dedicated team at the Karrh Community Arts Center for their invaluable contributions and look forward to the positive impact this grant and the arts center will have on our local arts scene.”

The Karrh Community Arts Center has been an integral part of Swainsboro and Emanuel County since its establishment in 1934 by W.M. Karrh as a social hub. After closing in the late 1960s, it was repurposed for retail until 2014 when Karrh’s grandsons donated it to the City of Swainsboro for renovation.

Now known as Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center, this venue is being transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Plans include a fully renovated theatre showcasing first-run movies and live performances, serving as a home for the Emanuel Arts Council, featuring an art gallery, a community meeting room, educational facility and other additions aimed at fostering creativity in Emanuel County.

“We commend the Georgia General Assembly for providing these one-time appropriations to support arts in rural communities,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “Arts events enhance downtowns, support small businesses, and provide jobs while creating excitement and unity.”

More information on the Karrh Community Arts Center can be found at their official website.