Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is launching the public phase of its Build. Inspire. Grow. capital campaign to increase capacity and, through programming that supports veteran, senior, and underserved youth populations, create a resource that continues to address the ever-present needs of metro Atlanta’s growing community. During the quiet phase of the campaign, The Callanwolde Foundation has already raised nearly $7 million of the funds necessary to create new spaces for the world-class arts education and community engagement programs that are at the heart of the organization’s mission. 

“It is an honor to lead the effort to increase capacity for Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and, through programming that supports veteran, senior, and underserved youth populations, create a resource that continues to address the ever-present needs of our growing community,” The Callanwolde Foundation Board President Glenn Warren, Jr. stated. “When Callanwolde strengthened its community engagement efforts just two years ago, we had no idea the opportunities to extend our reach would be so deeply welcomed and supported. Through the Build. Inspire. Grow. campaign, the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate will have capacity for more community and family events and will make invaluable contributions to the immediate neighborhood. “

Callanwolde's bold vision for the future starts with building capacity. Architecture firm Perkins & Will designed a master plan, which includes renovated spaces in the Mansion, the Carriage House and the Conservatory, expanded pottery facilities with a new 2,258 square foot Pottery Studio, and the addition of the 10,263 square foot Mr. and Mrs. William C. Warren III Flex Arts Building.

Callanwolde expanded its mission two years ago to strengthen community engagement efforts that provide enriching and life-changing art education programs to those who do not have access to arts programming, including students who are eligible for Title I and Title III benefits, veterans, and low-income senior citizens. However, the need is greater than current facilities can support. Through the Build. Inspire. Grow. campaign, the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate will have capacity for more community and family events and will make invaluable contributions to the immediate neighborhood.

“Callanwolde Fine Arts Center serves over 12,000 people each year through classes, performances, community engagement, gallery exhibitions, artist markets, wedding rentals, and historic tours,” said Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Executive Director Andrew Keenan. “At Callanwolde, we believe the entire community should benefit from the arts. We are working with leaders in our community to ensure that the new facility meets the various needs of all of our constituencies for years to come.”

Callanwolde Build. Inspire. Grow. Capital Campaign

The Build. Inspire. Grow. campaign requires $8,563,012 in philanthropic support over five years to be realized. Between a partnership with DeKalb County and the generous donations of community leaders, the campaign is currently at 82% of the goal. Callanwolde is launching a public campaign to raise the additional $1.54 million needed to close the gap. Expansion and renovation efforts will have a direct, positive impact on Callanwolde's ability to grow community engagement programs that support underserved communities.

“The more than 50-year partnership between DeKalb County and the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center has been a true demonstration of educational innovation and community engagement,” stated DeKalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond. “As we look to the next 50 years, it is reassuring to know that Callanwolde has a plan for growth that supports students who receive Title I and Title III assistance, disabled veterans, previously homeless families, and low-income seniors. I am proud to support Callanwolde's plan for growth, which will enrich the lives of underserved communities throughout DeKalb County. Together, we are breaking barriers, nurturing talents, and transforming lives."

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a premier nonprofit community fine arts center and renowned event venue located on a historic 12-acre estate in the heart of Metro Atlanta. Callanwolde operates with DeKalb County, as a public non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide the Atlanta community with premier, accessible arts education, especially to the underserved, while promoting enjoyment of the arts at the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate. As a leading provider of high-quality and affordable arts programs for all ages, Callanwolde strives to support the community with classes, workshops, special events, gallery exhibitions, and more.

For more information, visit https://callanwolde.org.