19
Arts
&
Culture
ArtsRevive Aims to Revitalize
Community With New Building and
Outdoor Pavilion
ArtsRevive is a nonprofit organization that supports
economic and community development in Selma, using
the arts as a vehicle for change and cultural growth.
The organization operates out of the Carneal building
downtown. While the initial renovation of the structure
has already revitalized downtown, the building's lack
of heating, cooling, insulation and landscaping has
limited the location's use and potential as a vibrant
community center.
A grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to
the ArtsRevive capital campaign will help with the
renovation and restoration of the building and with
construction of an outdoor pavilion. These renovations
will invigorate the community, spur economic
development, create a comfortable indoor and outdoor
space and support local artisans and artists, all while
repurposing the property that once housed an auto
service business.
ArtsRevive offers arts education for children and adults,
supports local artists and – most importantly – works
to build community. In 2016, ArtsRevive opened an
art gallery. Eventually, it aims to house a communal
workspace where artists can cheaply rent spaces to
create. In return, artists will provide art classes for
community members.
"We are trying to build up a circle of good," said executive
director Martha Locke. "We help the artists and, in turn,
they help the community. That's the big picture."
