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About

About the Alabama Center for the Arts

The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) represents a unique and dynamic partnership between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University.

This visionary alliance provides a place where students can engage in active creative learning in an inspiring, vibrant, and supportive environment. The Center serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels through targeted outreach, partnerships, and programs. As a key resource and driver for arts activities and education, the Center enhances the civic and cultural life of the community.

A Uniquely Affordable, Private Arts School Experience

Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) provides an affordable path to Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees for students pursuing careers in visual, musical, and performing arts.
Because of the unique partnership between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, students get the experience of a fine arts conservatory, with intimate classes, instructors who know students by name, and the opportunity to star in a show or production as freshmen–all at the cost of a community college.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The campus, located in beautiful downtown Decatur, consists of two state-of-the-art buildings, where students can take a variety of courses in art, theatre, graphic design, visual communications, and music.
The 43,000-square-foot Visual Arts Center houses classes in computer graphics & design, multimedia production, and fine arts as well as gallery spaces. The 44,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center houses classes in music, music technology, drama, and theatre arts as well as a recital hall, black box theatre, and recording studio.

Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation

The recently established Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is devoted to supporting Athens State University and Calhoun Community College in their mission to establish the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) as a leading regional arts education institution and a vibrant cultural hub for North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.