Arts

Covington is getting ready to take a big step toward making its name as the Hollywood of the South, as a $100 million film studio prepares to break ground.

Triple Horse Studios will buy a 160-acre parcel, off Georgia Highway 142, from the Newton County Industrial Development Authority.

Covington-Newton Chamber head Hunter Hall says it’s something Triple Horse has wanted to do for years.

The nation’s largest celebration of the arts and cultures relating to African Americans and the African Diaspora is experiencing major challenges.

The Atlanta based National Black Arts Festival has become an annual international event.

But financial woes are forcing the organization’s board of directors to make some drastic changes.

Changes that need to happen if the National Black Arts Festival is going to stay a part of Atlanta and more importantly survive says current board chair, Evern Cooper Epps.

The annual National Black Arts Festival is months away, but it’s not clear if the organization will have an executive director in place.  For the third time in four years, the organization is once again looking for leadership. 

In May of 2009, WABE interviewed Neil Barclay.  He had just been introduced as the new executive director of the National Black Arts Festival.  Barclay was replacing longtime executive producer Stephanie Hughley.

He talked about the challenges of a large arts organization like NABF.

We take a walk through Georgia's History as we tour the state capitol building with Dr. Tim Crimmins.