CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism (CPRST) on Thursday night, hosted a community forum for the Center of the Arts Community Theatre. CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson said there was an incredible turnout for the event.
“This event brought together community band and choir members, theater groups, educators, entertainers and passionate supporters of the arts,” Anderson said. “The goal was to gather direct feedback that will help guide our design team and architects as we transform the historic church in downtown Cullman into a vibrant, multiuse performing arts center.”
As The Tribune reported last summer, “In a significant move to enhance the cultural and performing arts landscape of Cullman, the Cullman City Council on Monday, July 22, 2024, approved the purchase of the historic First United Pentecostal Church building, located at the corner of Third Avenue Northeast and Clark Street Northeast, behind Cullman City Hall. The 6,000-square-foot building, with its beautiful A-frame 40-foot-tall sanctuary, will serve as the future home of the Community Theatre, as well as a venue for other civic and performing arts gatherings.”
Anderson said that using an interactive, live-poll format Thursday evening, participants were able to vote, rank and share their ideas in real time on their phones.
“We asked questions about event priorities, seating styles, design features, accessibility and overall vision,” he said. “The responses gave us a clear picture of what our community values most — from flexible, open floor space to strong acoustics, accessible amenities and the ability to host everything from community theater to national touring acts.”
The energy in the room was inspiring, he said. “People weren’t just answering questions — they were dreaming out loud about what this space could mean for Cullman’s future. This input will directly shape design decisions, ensuring that our Center for the Arts reflects both the needs and the creative spirit of our community.”
As the design phase continues, CPRST will host additional forums to keep the community engaged and ensure the voices of the arts community are part of each step. Future sessions will provide opportunities to review updated plans.
Stay up to date at www.facebook.com/cullmanparksrec.
