cultural events
MKAF hosts numerous cultural events annually. One of its long-standing events, Concerts in the Village has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Things to Do in Northwest Florida” by the Florida Travel and Tourism Guide. From jazz and blues to rock and country, the 10-week series is extremely popular among families. The annual Festival of the Arts takes place the last weekend in October and has grown to one of the Southeast’s premier juried fine art shows. The festival features more than 100 talented artists from the United States along with live entertainment and children’s interactive art activities. MKAF hosts concerts and performances year round, including Sounds of the Season and a Labor Day Weekend Concert. The Cultural Arts Village now provides a permanent home for these signature events.
Strengthening the Community Through the Arts There are a multitude of benefits from having a thriving arts community. Art and cultural activities enhance the quality of our lives - they bring about personal enjoyment, intellectual stimulation, and opportunities to connect the community. They also fuel economic development. Communities that invest in the arts reap the additional benefit of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life. Cultural event related spending pumps vital revenue into restaurants, lodging, retail stores, and other local businesses. The arts are a magnet for tourists, and tourism research repeatedly shows that cultural travelers stay longer and spend more.
cultural events
Most Americans understand that the arts improve our quality of life. A vibrant arts & culture industry helps local businesses thrive. Robert Lynch - President & CEO - Americans for the Arts
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Drawing out the best in children Since 1995, MKAF has created and presented exciting programs to bring art enrichment, education and entertainment for the literary, performing and visual arts to adults and children. More than 250,000 children have been inspired through MKAF’s educational outreach program, All Kinds of Art, in over 55 schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties. The Florida Department of Education has honored All Kinds of Art with the Florida Commissioner of Education Award of Distinction for its commitment to youth development through the arts. As a pro-active education partner, MKAF provides supplemental art instruction, regional theatre touring productions, and summer art camps in places where art curriculum is severely limited, including at risk and profoundly handicapped children. Funding support for All Kinds of Art is critical and programs are supported by grants, private and corporate gifts.
arts education & enrichment
1 Cultural Arts Village Sculpture Entrance 2 Bus Loop 3 Grass Parking Area (168 spaces) 4 Bus Stop & Valet Drop Off 5 Artist & Vendor Access Drive 6 The Village Green 7 Public Restrooms 8 The Dugas Pavilion 9 MKAF Administrative Offices 10 MKAF Office & Handicap Parking
The Dugas Pavilion and Village Green are the focal point of the Cultural Arts Village, and host a variety of artistic activities, ranging from concerts and festivals to comedy and theatrical productions.
phase two
A Mixed Use Building to house administrative offices, student art labs, educational classrooms, gallery and meeting space, a sculpture garden and a 350seat “Black-Box� t h e a t e r.
The Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village is a community hub situated on 52-acres of unspoiled land located between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the pristine beaches of Destin, Florida. Operated by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), the Cultural Arts Village is a vibrant village for the arts, and home of MKAF signature events, Concerts in the Village and Festival of the Arts, as well as a variety of other programming and private events. The Cultural Arts Village provides the infrastructure to unite the community through the arts. It serves as a center where family values are enriched, community spirit is encouraged and an appreciation for the arts is enhanced.
master plan: The Cultural Arts Village site development plan has been designed by DAG Architects in concert with MKAF. The plan is a road map and specific components of each phase may change based on the community desires and future needs.
phase three
An Artist Village to provide a serene, productive environment for artist residency programs. Artist housing and dedicated spaces will inspire creativity and encourage artists to share their processes and methods of producing art with the public.
Project partners include the Kelly Family, Dugas Family Foundation, DAG Architects, City of Destin, Innerlight Engineering, Beauchamp Commercial, Construction Services of Florida and the HAAS Center at the University of West Florida.
rental and private events The Cultural Arts Village is available for rental and the scenic venue is easily transformed to meet the needs of groups of all sizes. From weddings and receptions to meetings and corporate events, the Dugas Pavilion and Village Green offer a spectacular outdoor setting to host events. By the numbers
Groups of all sizes
• 6.76 acre event lawn with 79,547 square feet of highly-flexible space for seating, tents, and more
• Comfortably accommodates audiences up to 5,000 on lawn
• 1,600 square foot covered stage with ramp access
• Seating for 5,200 people theater-style
• 1,924 square foot bathroom facility with access ramp for persons with disabilities
• Seating for 4,200 people banquet-style (rounds or banquet tables)
• 168 on-site parking spaces (access to additional 309 shared parking spaces) • Bus/shuttle loop for easy drop off and pick up of guests • Surrounded by 44.94 acres of pristine forest and wetlands
more
information MKAF offers a list of preferred vendors for tables, tents, catering and decor to create a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience for your group. For rental rates and additional information, visit www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org.
MKAF and its programs exist only through the generous support of sponsors, donors and members. Its success is dependent upon the passionate group of individuals who volunteer time, resources and expertise.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable arts organization, created on the cultural, educational and spiritual beliefs of the late Destin Matriarch, Mattie Kelly.
With only two professional staff and a 20-member board of directors, MKAF is grateful for the generous donations of time, expertise and resources. There are many ways to get involved: • Become a member • Make a donation • Volunteer • Donate supplies • Sponsor an event • Become an All Kinds of Art Program Partner
We hope you’ll join our growing arts family along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
THE DREAM OF A DESTIN PIONEER A native Floridian, Mattie Kelly was born in Vernon, Florida. where she graduated in 1930 as valedictorian of her class. In 1932, Mattie married Coleman Lee Kelly and moved to Destin in 1935 to raise their five children. Kelly was a lifelong pioneer for the arts, writing a book of poems, playing piano and organ, composing music regularly and supporting arts organizations through her participation and financial gifts.
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Destin Animal Clinic Grace Lutheran Church
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photo courtesy of Arturo’s Studio
Mattie May Kelly (1912-1992) For nearly two decades, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has brought culturally rich programming and educational outreach to residents and visitors along the Emerald Coast. The Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village fulfills Kelly’s dream of creating a dynamic arts center in the heart of Destin.
Mattie Ke lly Ar ts Foundation 4323 Common s Drive West Destin , FL 32541 850.650.2226 M attieKellyArtsFou n d ation .org