Exciting Changes for the Arts Community in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. –
In a delightful turn of events for the arts scene, Denise Tucker has stepped into her new role as the Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Situated in the heart of downtown Augusta, her journey from owning the beloved Humanitree House to leading a prominent arts organization is both inspiring and groundbreaking.
As we chat with Tucker about her new responsibilities, it’s clear that she’s feeling both scared and excited. “Before I jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics,” she says. “My husband Baruti and I have been running Humanitree House for about eleven years now.” The couple’s initial aim was to blend their passions—Baruti wanted to establish a gallery, while Denise was already dedicated to helping cancer patients through juicing and cooking. What started as a juice bar has transformed into a vibrant community hub.
Tucker joined the Greater Augusta Arts Council as an employee about three years ago, launching her journey as part of a small project called the Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey Study. What started as a temporary role blossomed into a series of responsibilities, eventually leading to her appointment as Executive Director. “When the previous director Brenda Durant announced her retirement, it just felt right to apply,” Tucker shares.
In a significant milestone, Tucker is the first African-American woman to hold the position of Executive Director in the council’s history. This means a lot to her and the community, as a new perspective can invigorate and reshape the arts landscape in Augusta. “I really want to see us expand and cater to a wider variety of artistic expressions,” she explains passionately. While the council has been noted for its visual arts focus, Tucker is eager to branch out further into music, dance, theater, and even culinary arts.
More Than Just a Festival
Many folks in Augusta likely associate the council primarily with the popular “Arts in the Heart” festival, but Tucker wants everyone to know that there’s so much more happening throughout the year. “We’re involved in a ton of projects,” she mentions. “We are an official re-granting agency for nonprofit arts organizations, providing grants for both project operations and individual artists.”
The Greater Augusta Arts Council also hosts private art shows, manages public art projects, and even conducts legislative luncheons to discuss important arts-related issues. There’s an artist directory available for those in need of specific artistic talent, making it a valuable resource for the community.
Tucker urges individuals interested in getting involved to check out their website, where they can find a membership option for just $35 a year for artists. The council even has a lending library for members, which includes audio-visual equipment and art supplies.
Open Lines of Communication
In her new role, Tucker emphasizes the importance of understanding the community’s needs and wants. “I encourage anyone interested in the arts to reach out to me. We need to learn how we can advocate for our artists and what they want to see more of in our community,” she says. A survey on the council’s page allows creatives to voice their opinions and ideas.
Tucker is committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard within Augusta’s arts community. “We might be a small nonprofit—with only three employees—but we aim to tackle big projects. We want folks to understand that we are here for the community, and we want to help it flourish.”
As Tucker embarks on this new journey as Executive Director, her vision for an expansive, inclusive future in the Greater Augusta Arts Council is exciting. Over the coming months, she looks forward to connecting with artists and art lovers alike, fostering a vibrant cultural environment for all. So, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just a fan of the arts, keep an eye on what’s in store for Augusta’s creative landscape!
