The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is inviting patrons, artists, families, community members, and friends of the arts to participate in the Turner Center Community & Patron Survey designed to help shape the future of arts and cultural programming in Valdosta and the surrounding region.

As the Turner Center continues to grow its campus, expand programming, and welcome new audiences, community input is more important than ever. The survey will provide an opportunity for participants to share what they value most about the Turner Center, what they would like to see more—or less—of, and how the organization can better serve the community.

“We want to hear directly from the people who experience and support the Turner Center,” said Sementha Mathews, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Turner Center for the Arts. “Our campus has grown tremendously in recent years, and with that growth comes an exciting opportunity to listen carefully to our community and determine how we can best serve Valdosta, Lowndes County, South Georgia, North Florida, and the many visitors who come to experience the arts here.”

The brief survey will ask participants about their experiences with Turner Center exhibitions, classes, performances, special events, educational programs, and the growing campus. Participants will also be invited to share ideas for future programs, events, and experiences.

The survey is part of the Turner Center’s ongoing commitment to engaging the community, evaluating its programs, and planning strategically for the future. Community feedback will help inform the Center’s 2027–2032 Strategic Plan and guide future decisions about programming, accessibility, outreach, partnerships, and audience development.

The Turner Center recently expanded its campus with the opening of the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station, a 10,000-square-foot STEAM-focused facility designed to connect children and families with creativity, innovation, and future career pathways. The expanded campus now provides an even broader range of opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts.

“We are building a campus that belongs to the community,” Mathews said. “Whether someone visits our galleries, attends a concert, takes a class, brings a child to the Imagination Station, participates in ARToberfest, enjoys the Art Park, or simply wants to see more opportunities for the arts in our community, we want to hear from them.”

The survey is open to all members of the community, whether or not they have previously visited the Turner Center.

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 Turner 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. To participate in the Turner Center Community & Patron Survey, visit turnercenter.org/tca-survey. The survey is open through September 28, 2026. For more information about the Turner Center for the Arts, its exhibitions, programs, events, and six-facility campus, visit turnercenter.org or call 229-247-2487.