Toccoa Display Featured at GMA Convention

Toccoa is one of twelve Georgia cities to have local art initiatives recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association.

The Schaefer Center facade renovation was recognized during the GMA’s 2015 convention in Savannah last month.

Each of the 12 cities involved had their art initiative displayed on a 4 by 8 sign in the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, which was the site of this year’s GMA convention, for the duration of the meeting.

Each sign included photos, a description of the initiative, community and economic impact facts, and contact information.

The theme of the convention was “Creative Impact” and GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton says that its goal was to highlight the transformative power of the arts on Georgia cities.

Norton says that arts and culture are important to local economies and play a valuable role in creating the quality of life people have come to enjoy in Georgia’s cities.

Besides Toccoa, other cities honored included Bainbridge, Decatur, Jackson, Marietta, Monroe, Newnan, Perry, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, Valdosta, and Watkinsville.

Norton says that the GMA had over 30 submissions and found it hard to select 12 to highlight, adding that each sign showcased how cities have utilized art and culture as a tool for economic development.