Allied Arts of greater Chattanooga will begin its 2012 Annual Campaign on Thursday with a celebration at Bessie Smith Cultural Center. The event gets under way at 5 p.m. with refreshments and unique collaborations between local artists and arts organizations.
“We have paired some of our community’s finest artists to collaborate for the first time and we know that their creations will have surprising results,” said Steve Kennedy III, 2012 campaign chair.
Local music will be featured, including the talents of Fletcher Bright, Robin Burk, Lisa Dempsey and JT Kane. They will perform with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, along with visual artist Matt Dutton, spoken word artist Marcus Ellsworth, dancer Kirsten Hawkins of the Chattanooga Ballet, and others. Each performer will be paired with another, and the collaborations will be revealed at the event. In addition, vocalist Neshawn Calloway will make a special appearance. Artists with 35.85 Guild will lead hands-on arts activities during the event. The guild is a new Chattanooga organization that offers support services for local artists.
Throughout the four-month campaign, volunteers for Allied Arts will work to raise $1.5 million by asking for support from thousands of individuals and businesses in the greater Chattanooga area. Since 1969, Allied Arts has raised more than $50 million to support the arts in the city.