Rep. Butch Parrish announces grant funding for new Karrh Community Arts Center in Swainsboro

State Representative Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), chairman of the House Rules Committee, announces that the Karrh Community Arts Center has been awarded a one-time grant of $250,000 allocated under House Bill 915, the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. These Special Project funds are administered through the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development charged with empowering the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity.

“I am thrilled to announce this significant grant for the Karrh Community Arts Center,” said Rep. Butch Parrish. “The arts are a vital part of our community’s identity and contribute immensely to our quality of life. This grant signifies a significant investment in the arts and cultural enrichment of Swainsboro and surrounding areas. I commend the dedicated team at the Karrh Community Arts Center for their invaluable contributions and look forward to the positive impact this grant and the arts center will have on our local arts scene.”

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The Karrh Community Arts Center has a rich history dating back to 1934 when it was built by W.M. Karrh as a social hub for Swainsboro and Emanuel County. After a period of closure in the late 1960s, the space was repurposed for retail until 2014 when Karrh’s grandsons generously donated it to the City of Swainsboro for renovation.

Under the name Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center, this venue is undergoing a transformation to become a vibrant cultural hub. Plans include a fully renovated theatre showcasing first-run movies and live performances, serving as a home for the Emanuel Arts Council, featuring an art gallery, a community meeting room, educational facility and other additions aimed at fostering the creative economy in Emanuel County.

“We commend the Georgia General Assembly for providing these one-time appropriations to support arts in rural communities,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “Arts events enhance downtowns, support small businesses, and provide jobs while creating excitement and unity.”