Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is amending its Build. Inspire. Grow. capital campaign to Preserve. Inspire. Grow. as the organization transitions from previously planned construction in favor of preserving a neighboring historically significant building. This strategic change vastly expands capacity to support the fine art center’s renowned classes, concerts, exhibits, and tuition-free programming for underserved communities—including low-income youth, disabled veterans, and individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. 

Earlier this year, the church located at 999 Briarcliff Road NE in Druid Hills was listed for sale, targeting developers interested in townhome development. Given Callanwolde’s longstanding relationship with the church, the organization’s leadership initiated conversations to acquire the property. DeKalb County, which owns the Callanwolde estate, has reached an agreement to take ownership of the church at 999 Briarcliff Rd. The purchase is scheduled to close in December. As part of the agreement, DeKalb County will extend its lease with Callanwolde through 2064, including the newly acquired property.

“Since Callanwolde expanded its mission to strengthen community engagement programming, the response has been tremendous. Space has become the limiting factor in the effort to further expand Callanwolde’s programming to serve more people,” stated Glenn Warren, Jr., the capital campaign co-chair. “If you believe in the power of the arts and want to preserve a space where creativity, community, and culture can thrive in Druid Hills, now is the time to help secure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Callanwolde and the community we serve.“

Callanwolde expanded its mission four years ago to strengthen its offerings of enriching and life-changing arts education programs for those without access to the arts. However, the demand now exceeds the capacity of its current facilities. The Preserve. Inspire. Grow. campaign seeks to expand Callanwolde’s historic campus, increasing space for community and family events while preserving an important piece of neighborhood history.

To achieve this vision, Callanwolde must raise an additional $2 million in the next 150 days to meet its $9.5 million capital campaign goal and receive matching funds. With strong support from DeKalb County and early donations from local leaders, the campaign is already at 80% of its total goal. Funds will be used to purchase the church property, renovate and restore the building, and make needed improvements to the existing Callanwolde facilities.

“The church presents a rare and timely opportunity for us to expand in a more cost-efficient manner while preserving the neighborhood’s historic landscape,”  said Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Executive Director Andrew Keenan. “With some interior renovations to the church, we can more than double our space for classes and will add much-needed parking – all without constructing new buildings or the previously planned parking lot expansion.”

The expansion will directly strengthen Callanwolde’s community engagement programs and its ability to serve underserved communities. Specifically, the addition of the church property directly across Briarcliff Road will add 28,500 square feet of classroom space and 140 parking spots; expand capacity for ceramics and summer camp; significantly increase dedicated space for Callanwolde’s growing dance program; increase support for underserved groups; free up the Conservatory for pottery-focused renovations; and preserve the historic character of the neighborhood.

“The work Callanwolde Fine Arts Center does is important. Last year, Callanwolde provided art instruction to over 650 underserved DeKalb County citizens including kids from Title I schools, disabled veterans, and adults and families who were previously unhoused,” stated DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “That is why I support Callanwolde’s new expansion plans to expand arts education and programming for the DeKalb County community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and with support from the community, we will grow one of DeKalb County’s greatest assets.

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.