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Our MISSION

Making lives brighter through the arts.

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Our VISION

We imagine a flourishing community where the arts are alive, creativity thrives, and we work together to create a sense of belonging for all.

As the creative hub for the arts in Thomasville, we bring together over 85,000 youth and adults to experience the arts across the community. The Center’s historic building features the works of seasoned and emerging contemporary artists, alongside educational traveling exhibits, and our notable collection of sporting and wildlife art. More than 30,000 visitors will enjoy performances in our newly renovated 480-seat theater presented by our long-time resident arts partners: Thomasville Entertainment Foundation, South Georgia Ballet, and artist Ron Thomson.

In addition to exhibitions and performances we, along with our partners, present after-school visual, dance, music, drama, and design thinking classes to over 300 students daily. Anchoring our youth programming is a multi-disciplinary fine arts program for 350 students from our neighboring Scott Elementary School during the school day.  

Along with programming in our facilities, we present experiences in The UnVacant Lot public art space, two large-scale arts festivals, city-wide public art projects, city arts and culture planning, and publish THOM magazine, which profiles the people and ideas shaping the creative life of our community.

Our History

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  • 1915

    East Side School was Constructed

    East Side School, constructed in 1915 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, was Thomasville’s first school built with public funding. 

  • 1975

    School was Closed

    In 1975, the school closed and fell into disrepair, but a group of citizens passionate about historic preservation rallied together to protect the building. Today, it is Thomasville Center for the Arts.

  • The Past 30 years

    Historical Preservation

    The Center itself was born from an idea set in motion by our founders over 30 years ago. They were the change-makers, catalysts of their time, for our organization and many other in our community. Theirs was an incredible power that drove the preservation of the historic assets that make Thomasville a unique place to live.

  • Today

    Carrying Forward Their Work

    We’ve come a long way since their vision for a home for the arts was first introduced and have felt a deep sense of responsibility to carry forward their work while cultivating an environment where the diverse creative facets of our culture can thrive.