BGCMA Announces Opening of John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation & Expression Studio

BGCMA Announces Opening of John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation & Expression Studio
September 20, 2017 BGCMA

New Club to serve as arts-and-innovation-centered hub where youth can learn critical skills, discover their passion, and showcase their craft

ATLANTA, GA (Sept. 20, 2017) Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is excited to announce the opening of a new Club coming to the city’s Westside – John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club: The Innovation and Expression Studio (TIES).

This project is part of BGCMA’s continued effort to enrich the lives of youth by offering impactful programs and experiences that will help them succeed in school, live healthy, and become leaders . The 27,000-foot space will provide a creative youth development approach driven by arts, innovation, and expression. Although TIES will serve as a hub for arts and innovation, the focus remains the same – to help kids and teens reach their full potential.

TIES is located at the former home of the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club, which has been serving kids and teens on Atlanta’s Westside for more than 50 years. The expansive space will serve even more youth, reaching more than 200 kids and teens each day.

Programs at TIES will center on the following areas:

  • Visual arts – with programs such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, filmmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and graphic design.
  • Performing arts– with programs such as theatre, puppetry, dance, music, spoken word, and public speaking.
  • Culinary arts – with programs such as cooking, gardening, and overall dining etiquette

Studies show students who participate in arts-based activities are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Youth arts programs also encourage self-expression, increase self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.

“We are excited to provide an innovative space that will encourage our youth to learn critical skills, nurture their passion, and showcase their work,” said Missy Dugan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Whether kids are learning through visual, performing, or culinary arts, the Club will focus on helping them build the skills they need to succeed in school, live healthy, and become leaders.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is building new and continuing partnerships and programs with several leading organizations to deliver relevant programs and meaningful experiences for kids and teens.

Organizations include Woodruff Arts Center’s High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Moving in the Spirit, Museum of Design Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Camp Ailey.

Construction on the new project is expected to be completed in late 2018. A groundbreaking will be held to celebrate the opening of TIES Tuesday, October 10, 9am, at 434 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta 30310.

To find out how you can support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, visit www.bgcma.org/get-involved/. To learn more about the TIES project, visit www.bgcma.org/club/harlandties/.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is approximately $5,700 per member, families are asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each year based on income; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-0948 x1047
aleon @bgcma.org

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