Propelling the Next Generation of Artists
A 2-Year Capital & Vision Campaign | 2025 – 2027
Welcome to the Future of
Sweet 16 Celebration
As AREA Non-Profit, Inc. celebrates its Sweet 16 in 2025, we proudly launch AREA Forward — a bold, 2-year capital and growth campaign designed to carry us into adulthood as we approach our 18th anniversary in 2027.
Transformative Impact
This campaign is not only a celebration of 16 years of transformative impact in Atlanta's arts ecosystem — it is a commitment to growth, sustainability, and excellence. AREA Forward ensures we expand access, amplify artistry, and deepen community impact for generations to come.
Our Mission
To propel the development of youth, artists, and communities through a holistic and disciplined performing arts model grounded in equity, education, and empowerment.
Excellence
Commitment to artistic excellence
Equity
Ensuring access for all
Education
Holistic performing arts training
Empowerment
Building confidence through arts
Campaign Vision
AREA Forward will raise funds, mobilize partners, and inspire community action to strengthen the core of AREA's four foundational pillars:
TRAIN | AREA Academy
Invest in scholarships, curriculum expansion, and enhanced faculty support to continue delivering high-caliber dance and performance training for students ages 2 to 18.
CONNECT | AREA Outreach
Expand community-centered programs in schools, recreation centers, and faith-based institutions to ensure every child and teen in Atlanta has access to the arts.
GROW | A REA Satellites
Grow AREA's reach by establishing strategic satellite programs in key neighborhoods, increasing accessibility to our unique curriculum and performance opportunities.
INSPIRE | AREA Performs
Elevate production quality, increase community access to the arts, and support the development of new, original works across genres.
TRAIN | AREA Academy
Double annual scholarships to support talent
Expanding opportunities for talented youth regardless of financial background.
Launch new intermediate/advanced training cohorts for pre-professional dancers
With infusing the arts, create pathways for serious dancers to develop professional skills in different industries.
Fund continued training for faculty and guest artist residencies
Ensuring our instructors remain at the cutting edge of dance and mental health education.
CONNECT | AREA Outreach
Launch 5 new outreach residencies per year in metro Atlanta schools
Bringing AREA's unique curriculum directly to students in their school environments.
Offer free quarterly AREA pop-up workshops in underserved neighborhoods
Making dance accessible to communities with limited arts resources.
Launch AREA Methodology: Training the Whole Artist
Whether on stage, in class, or in the community, AREA students are equipped to shine with artistry, accountability, and authenticity our through intentional and structured training model.
GROW | AREA Satellites
Clayton County
Establishing a permanent presence in the Clayton County communities.
City of Atlanta Recreation
Creating accessible dance opportunities in COA Recreational Centers.
Train-the-Trainer
Pilot a train-the-trainer program to empower local instructors within satellites.
Unified Brand
Develop uniform branding, curriculum, and mentorship pathways across all satellite sites.
INSPIRE | AREA Performs
1
Produce 6 major works
Create 6 major works (3 per year), including original musical commissions.
2
Launch Emerging Voices Performance Lab
Create opportunities for teen and young adult choreographers to develop original works and present.
3
Regional Touring
Partner with city-wide cultural institutions to tour AREA works throughout the region.
Ways to Get Involved
Give to AREA Forward
Your donation directly supports scholarships, outreach programs, satellite operations, and artistic productions. We offer giving levels for individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
Partner with AREA
Support AREA Forward as a business or cultural institution through co-branded programming, media support, or venue sponsorship.
Become an AREA Ambassador
Be a voice for AREA in your circles. Host a fundraising mingle, organize a giving day, or bring AREA to your school, church, or workplace.
Join A Planning Committee!
Let’s build something unforgettable—for our dancers, our community, and our legacy
GET INVOLVED NOW BY COMPLETING BELOW!
Campaign Timeline:
From Sweet 16 to Turning 18
Follow our progress as we grow: New programs launched, Artists supported, Performances created, Students impacted, Dollars raised.
August 2025
Campaign Kickoff at AREA's Sweet 16 Launch Festival
May 2026
AREA Sweet 16 Gala Celebration & Donor Impact Reveal
December 2026
Midpoint Impact Report & Emerging Voices Showcase
May 2027
AREA Turns 18! Final Gala, Legacy Honorees & AREA Forward Close-Out
Join the Movement. Move the Mission Forward. Help us build the next chapter of AREA's legacy. When we move AREA Forward, we move the next generation of artistic trailblazers forward!