South Fulton Arts Unveils 2025 Season Infused with Creativity, Diversity, and Community Engagement

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, November 15th, 2024

South Fulton Arts (SFA) today announced its dynamic programming for the 2025 season, celebrating an array of artistry reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the South Fulton community. 

With programs spanning visual art, theater and concerts, spoken word, culinary arts, and workshops, the 2025 South Fulton Arts season promises to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It features events showcasing local talent while also exploring themes of heritage, resilience, and creativity. The 2025 season will feature the Filmer, Connect, and Exchange series, while also welcoming a new Culinary Arts series and an SFA Benefit Concert. 

“South Fulton Arts’ 2025 season truly reflects the heart and soul of the communities we serve,” said SFA Executive Director Jennifer Bauer-Lyons. “Our 2025 programming is all about creating spaces where people from all walks of life can come to gather, connect, and share their stories while experiencing the transformative power of the arts. From theater and spoken word, to culinary arts and concerts, we’re offering a season which celebrates the richness of our collective human experience.”

SFA’s 2025 season will also welcome 18 artists and organizational partners to SFA Create: A Partner Program, which exists to support artists and organizations with financial and functional resources to develop impactful programs in South Fulton. The purpose is to cultivate long-term relationships with these partners while facilitating vital connections between the artists, organizations, and schools. SFA also provides pro bono consulting and mentors to address the individual needs of each of its artists and partner organizations. 

In addition to its programming, SFA produces the monthly “Spark” podcast and its biannual magazine Arts United

For information visit SouthFultonArts.org or follow on FacebookInstagram and YouTube.

2025 SFA ARTIST AND ORGANIZATION PARTNERS 
Performance dates and locations will be announced.

ARTISTIC PARTNERS
● Chloe Alexander | Joining Southern Art Exhibit
● Fatou Bessem | Series of Paintings about the Black Fem Experience
● Angelica Hairston | Exhale
● Jaha Knight | 5 Workshops for Teens Facing Anxiety
● Michael McLendon | Honoring the Elders of SFC (documentary)
● Dalyla Nicole | Phase 2, of Pepsi Cola B*itch
● Madison Rengli | Short Play Festival, “Escape”
● Charles Stephens | Dirty South Reading Series

ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS
● Academy Theatre | Bullies & Bystanders
● Atlanta Quilt Festival | John Lewis Book
● Arts Xchange | Two-Day Writing Out Loud Poetry Weekend
● Challenge the Stats | Latin Jazz Concert
● City of East Point | Drag Down South (drag show)
● Music in Common | South Fulton Concert
● PDF Cultural Center | I Am Rosa Parks (multi-arts presentation)
● Reentry Arts Connection | Imagine This! A Journey in Digital Storytelling
● Sovereign Voices | Creative 90-Day Residency
● Symmetry Lens | Symmetry Arts Exhibit & Classes

2025 SFA SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

FILMER 7
February 26 | Plaza Theatre
March 6 | Academy Theatre
Launching the season is the cinematic showcase, Filmer 7, which will bring screenings of commissioned films about artists to two beloved Atlanta venues: the Plaza Theatre and the Academy Theatre. This event celebrates storytelling through film and offers audiences the opportunity to engage with local filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts for screenings and discussions.  

CONNECT SERIES
Program I 
March 21, 22, 28 | Location TBA
Directed by SFA Executive Director Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, this first Connect program will take the stage with a powerful reading of 2 Across which explores human connections. As the first in a series of next season, it promises to engage the community with thought-provoking themes and captivating live performances.

Program II
September 12, 13, 19 | Location TBA
The fall season brings the third Connect program to South Fulton Arts with a special reading of “Gee’s Bend" by Elyzabeth, focusing on the quilting tradition of Gee's Bend. The evening, directed by Garry Yates, will showcase both historical and contemporary aspects of textile art and its cultural significance.

EXCHANGE SERIES
Program I 
May 14 | Location TBA
Hosted at the Academy Theatre, this program will feature spoken word artists Trey Carlisle (aka ‘EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y.’) and Theresa Davis.

Program II 
OKCello Concert | July 10 | Location TBA
For music lovers, this July program will feature a soul-stirring concert by OKCello, known for blending classical cello with soulful grooves and jazz influences. This event will be held in East Point and promises an intimate yet powerful musical experience.

Program III
Spoken Word | August 14 | Location TBA
This program will feature acclaimed spoken word artist ANON the Griot. This event will invite audiences to connect with nature and the spoken word, creating a space for reflection and inspiration. 

SOUTH FULTON ARTS BENEFIT CONCERT
October 11 | Location TBA
As one of the season's grand highlights, the South Fulton Arts Benefit Concert will unite a stellar lineup of performers, including vocalists Karla Harris and Jen Cornell, spoken word artists, and special guests. The concert will bring together the arts community while raising funds to support South Fulton Arts. 

CULINARY ARTS
November 13 | Location TBA
Audiences can explore the art of cuisine with a new series celebrating cultural diversity through food. Guests will enjoy an array of culinary delights while also learning about the rich traditions that inspire each unique regional dish.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Throughout the year, SFA will also offer a variety of community workshops and artist-led projects. Highlights include a Southern art exhibit by printmaker Chloe Alexander; a short play festival by Madison Rengli; workshops for teens by Jaha Knight; and a two-day poetry retreat hosted by Arts Xchange. 

Additionally, programming will include digital storytelling workshops, graphic design courses, and artist residencies to support creative development across multiple disciplines.

FREE TICKETS
All programs offered by South Fulton Arts are free; entry donations are encouraged to support SFA and its mission. For more information, visit www.SouthFultonArts.org.