Valdosta's Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is asking residents, artists, families, and friends of the arts to participate in its Community & Patron Survey, with responses due by September 28. The survey is designed to gather community input that will help shape the future of arts and cultural programming across Valdosta, Lowndes County, and the broader South Georgia region, according to the organization.
The Turner Center stated that community input is vital as its campus continues to expand, programming grows, and it welcomes new audiences. The survey offers participants an opportunity to share what they value most about the center, what they would like to see more or less of, and how the organization can better serve the community.
Sementha Mathews, Ph.D., executive director of the Turner Center for the Arts, emphasized the importance of direct feedback from those who experience and support the center. Mathews noted the "tremendous" growth of the campus in recent years, stating that this expansion creates an exciting opportunity to "listen carefully to our community" and determine how best to serve Valdosta, Lowndes County, South Georgia, North Florida, and its visitors. She added that the center is building a campus that belongs to the community.
The brief survey will inquire about participants' experiences with Turner Center exhibitions, classes, performances, special events, educational programs, and the developing campus. Participants will also be invited to share their ideas for future programs, events, and experiences.
This initiative is part of the Turner Center’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, program evaluation, and strategic planning. The feedback collected will directly inform the Center’s 2027–2032 Strategic Plan. This plan will then guide future decisions regarding programming, accessibility, outreach efforts, partnerships, and audience development, the organization confirmed.
The Turner Center recently expanded its campus with the opening of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station. This 10,000-square-foot facility is focused on STEAM principles, designed to connect children and families with creativity, innovation, and future career pathways. The expanded campus now provides a broader array of opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts.
The survey is open to all community members, whether or not they have visited the Turner Center previously.
Community members are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their thoughts. Responses will help the Turner Center better understand community interests, measure satisfaction and enthusiasm, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure that future programming reflects the needs and interests of the people it serves. The Center's mission is to inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection by integrating the arts with imaginative learning through engaging programs, exhibitions, entertainment, and interactive spaces.
