Upfront

by Sherry Foster
Editor

Economic development and tourism professionals will tell you that one of the best measures of quality of life in a city is the health of its arts community. This being the case, Augusta and its surrounding metropolitan area boast an excellent quality of life by anyone’s standards. You only need to browse this issue, our tribute to the cultural arts, for the proof.

Now in its fifth year, our annual cultural arts calendar is bigger and more diverse than ever. The Augusta Opera opens its 36th season with Carousel, the August Ballet kicks off its 41st season with The Three Musketeers, the Augusta Symphony celebrates its 49th season this year and the Augusta Players’ 59th season opens with Grease. The Morris Museum of Art celebrates its 11th anniversary this year with some exciting new events, including a series of music performances designed to enhance the museum’s art exhibits and demonstrate the significance of culture to the visual arts. And that only covers this side of the river. A short drive to Aiken takes you to the Etherredge Center at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, where an extensive schedule of cultural events spans every spectrum of the arts. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. You could easily spend every evening of the year enjoying some sort of high-quality arts entertainment.

In September, the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival will be held in the Augusta Common for the first time. Marking its 23rd year, this tremendously popular event symbolically kicks off the cultural season each year, attracting thousands of people from around the region to sample the fun, food and artful entertainment. While the festival celebrates the area’s arts heritage, it also pays tribute to the rich diversity of culture that is such an important part of life in the Garden City. From music to food to dance, this three-day event is not to be missed.

Another special feature in our yearly arts issue is a tribute to the annual Arts Council Award winners. Here we profile people and business groups who have gone above and beyond in support of the arts community. Most of these people quietly contribute their time and money out of a passion for the arts and the community in general. It’s always a pleasure to recognize their efforts.

Beyond the impressive schedule of events Augustans enjoy, there is another equally important aspect of the arts community. Not only is the calendar filled with gala performances and exhibitions, it also offers many opportunities for residents to engage actively in the arts as artists themselves. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art and Augusta State University offer art classes year-round for both adults and children of all ages and experience levels. The Morris has weekly lectures and interactive events scheduled to enrich the community’s appreciation and understanding of the arts. The Augusta Ballet has its own dance school, training young dancers-to-be and offering them opportunities to perform with a professional company.

And perhaps most importantly, our public schools provide award-winning programs in performing and visual arts, thus infusing audiences of the future with a passion for the arts and insuring Augusta’s enviable quality of life for years to come.

So in the upcoming year, make sure to do your part to support this wonderful resource. It’s as easy as buying a ticket. You’re sure to find something that appeals.