ATLANTA – The Center for Collaborative & International Arts (CENCIA), has been honored by Phi Beta Kappa as an “exemplary local organization that builds creative connections with new and diverse audiences in the arts, humanities, and natural sciences. The award, which recognizes the city of Atlanta as an “Arts & Sciences City of Distinction,” comes with a $5,000 prize, and is one of four Atlanta recipients that include the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, ELEVATE, the Atlanta Science Festival, and the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection.
An Arts & Sciences City of Distinction awards reception will be held at the Woodruff Arts Center on April 6th.
“We are very honored that the Center for Collaborative & International Arts has been recognized for this award. The mission of CENCIA has always been to provide meaningful opportunities for artists of diverse disciplines to connect and collaborate.” says Dr. Nickitas Demos, Director of CENCIA. “The Center contributes to Atlanta’s growing reputation as a significant proponent of exceptional artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy.”
CENCIA was founded in 2008 and was in the College of Arts & Sciences until fall 2016, when it moved to the newly-formed College of the Arts. The award recognizes the years of programming from 2008 through 2017. CENCIA has hosted arts programs of all varieties – from dance recitals and musical concerts to literary readings, film festivals, and visual art exhibitions.
The Jamaican Maroon troupe Granny Nanny Cultural Group performs on campus, September 2016. |
Atlanta is the third city (after Portland and Chicago) to be part of to Phi Beta Kappa’s Cities of Distinction program. Four local organizations each receive an award based upon its successful efforts to engage broader audiences, connect new audiences to notable arts and sciences scholars, and to cultivate the next generation of arts and sciences students.
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is an academic honor society that advocates for “the importance of liberal arts and sciences education to the individual and to society” by recognizing outstanding university programs and students.
For upcoming CENCIA programs, please visit: http://cencia.gsu.edu/