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 – 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 (T.I.E.S). The new Club is set to open for youth programming Monday, March 4, 2019.
The first of its kind in the Boys & Girls Club organization, 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 get college and career ready, live healthy, and lead in their communities. The 25,000-foot space, located at 434 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta 30310, 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 can serve approximately 175 kids and teens each day with opportunities to impact an additional 50 kids each day from the community and Boys & Girls Clubs across the city.
“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 get college and career ready, live healthy, and become leaders.”
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.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is one of five Boys & Girls Club organizations in the nation researching how high-quality arts programs can attract tweens and teens, keep them coming to the Club, and help them thrive in life. Supported by the Wallace Foundation, these research findings will shape how youth organizations develop arts programs for years to come.
“We are so thankful to all of the individuals and partners that have come together to make the Harland T.I.E.S Club possible,” said Dugan. “This space will serve as a true arts hub, both for the Westside community and artists, kids, and teens throughout the city. We can’t wait to see all of the great work that happens here.”
To find out how you can support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, visit www.bgcma.org/get-involved/. To learn more about the Harland T.I.E.S project, visit www.bgcma.org/club/harlandandties/. Follow updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bgcma with the hashtags #TheHarlandExperience, #ArtIsHope, and #BGCMA.
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 20+ Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve nearly 3,000 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.