The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is proud to announce it has been awarded a $96,000 matching grant from the Levitt Foundation to continue the highly successful Levitt AMP Valdosta Music Series through 2026, 2027, and 2028. This multi-year grant will support another three seasons of free outdoor concerts at the Turner Center Art Park, enriching the cultural landscape of Valdosta and surrounding communities.

The Levitt Foundation selected 32 returning Levitt AMP communities across the country to receive up to $120,000 in matching funds over three years. These grants empower nonprofits to activate public spaces with inclusive, family-friendly live music experiences that reflect the diversity of their communities.

“We’re thrilled to continue this incredible partnership with the Levitt Foundation,” said Turner Center Executive Director Sementha Mathews, Ph.D. “This grant allows us to build on the momentum we’ve created and deepen our impact—bringing people together through music and creating lasting memories for families across our city, county, and region.”

Since its launch in 2023, the Levitt AMP Valdosta Music Series has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of attendees each season. The concerts feature a wide range of music genres and artists, transforming the Turner Center Art Park into a vibrant gathering space that fosters social connection and celebrates cultural diversity.

In 2026, the Turner Center will present eight concerts instead of ten, beginning in March. Two of these performances will take place offsite, in partnership with beloved community events—one at the Azalea Festival in March and another at the Valdosta Bluesberry Festival in April—as a gesture of goodwill and collaboration. The full Levitt AMP Valdosta Music Series lineup will be announced in January 2026.

“The Levitt AMP concerts have become a cornerstone of our community’s cultural life,” said Michelle Kirkpatrick, Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission board member and chair of the Turner Center’s Special Events Committee. “We’re excited to continue offering these free concerts that bring joy, unity, and economic vitality to our region.”

The Levitt Foundation’s selection process considered several factors, including the characteristics of the public space, the feasibility of implementation, community support, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission to build community through music. The Turner Center’s commitment to inclusive programming and outreach was a key factor in securing the grant renewal.

For more information about the Levitt AMP Valdosta Music Series and upcoming events, visit www.turnercenter.org.