Rialto Center for the Performing Arts Announced as Twelfth Grade Venue for Mayor Shirley Franklin’s

Cultural Experience Project

The Cultural Experience Project was developed by Mayor Franklin and the Director of Cultural Affairs, Camille Love and is a collaboration with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Beverly Hall; and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, Steve Smith. The Project will ensure that every Kindergarten through Twelfth grade student in the Atlanta Public School System will have an onsite cultural experience each year at no cost to them. Various cultural organizations, venues, and corporate sponsors have committed to work toward achieving this vision during the 2005-2006 school year. The idea is, “one grade, one venue, guaranteed.” “We want Atlanta public school students to know first-hand that these experiences are available to them”, stated Mayor Franklin. “This is a trend-setting program that exemplifies public/private partnerships; I would not be surprised to see it duplicated around the region and the state.” Macy’s will fund The Rialto Center program.

Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, an intimate, cultural centerpiece in downtown Atlanta, inspires, educates and entertains diverse audiences by presenting innovative and exceptional arts programming and cultivating community partnerships. Rising from the shell of a once-popular movie theater dating to 1916, the Rialto is the result of an ambitious, state-of-the-art, $14 million renovation and a firm, forward-thinking commitment on the part of the University to the revitalization of the city’s central business district. Each year, the Rialto offers its own unique and extensive subscription series featuring world-class artists, focusing primarily on the best in world music, jazz, contemporary dance, and intimate vocal performance. Throughout the year, the Center is also home to numerous other local performing arts organizations as well as visiting companies and has become a center for independent film in Atlanta. The Rialto also offers an innovative educational outreach program to students and the general public alike.

The Rialto Center’s upcoming Series performances include Ahmad Jamal on January 28, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on February 4, Ladysmith Black Mambazo on February 25, and Perú Negro on March 18.

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Subscriptions & Single Tickets On Sale Now

Subscriptions are on sale through the Rialto Center Box Office by telephone at 404.651.4727; by fax at 404.651.0966; online at www.rialtocenter.org; or by mail at P.O. Box 2627, Atlanta, GA 30301-2627. Patrons may subscribe in two ways: purchase 4 or more shows and receive a 15% discount or purchase 6 or more shows and receive a 20% discount. Single tickets are also available through the Box Office. Starting at $26, ticket prices for these performances vary by seat location. Free parking is provided for all Rialto Series events at the Equitable Building deck on Fairlie Street. Paid valet parking is also available.