01: ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING ARTS AND CULTURE IN SANDY SPRINGS
The Arts in Sandy Springs
The City of Sandy Springs has a successful legacy of delivering programming and building a City-owned art collection. Art Sandy Springs is a vital partner in the arts, paving the way for several successful programs and donations of public art. Direction of the visual arts programming has thus far emanated from the Recreation and Parks and Communications Departments, in partnership with Art Sandy Springs. Fulton County also operates its oldest neighborhood community arts center in Sandy Springs, offering art classes to residents of Fulton County.
Sandy Springs Arts Center
When the City of Sandy Springs incorporated in 2005, the City lacked a traditional government center, presenting the community with a unique opportunity to craft its own downtown. The community asked for the creation of a unique, vibrant, walkable City Center that would introduce new dining, residential living, and retail options. The community also sought an appropriate setting for a performing arts facility (“Arts Center�). Because of community desires, a commercial center with a large asphalt parking lot was transformed into a modern town center. The final design created a complex which features a main theatre designed to support a wide range of programs and activities. Sizeable at 1,070 seats, Byers Theatre is a 50,000 square-foot theatre with three levels and box seats. Superb acoustics, a full orchestra pit, and a fly Sandy Springs Art in Public Places Plan | 7
