A $15 million Academy for Music and Movement will expand space for music and dance programs at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur.
Officials celebrated the 14,000-square-foot, two-story facility’s groundbreaking Monday.
“We’ve outgrown our space with students, and that is a great problem to have,” said Kim Parker, dean and executive director of ACA, a joint venture between Athens State University and Calhoun Community College. “Our current facility couldn’t accommodate the growing number of music groups and vocalists we’ve introduced. This new building will solve that, providing six music practice rooms and a large chamber to support group rehearsals, offering much-needed space for our vocalists and instrumentalists to practice.”
The new facility’s first floor will include a large dance area with temporary seating for performances and more. The second floor will have practice and listening rooms, another large dance area and a multi-purpose room. There will also be a mezzanine and a roof-top terrace for small gatherings.
The facility is scheduled to open in January 2026. And ACA is working with Decatur City Schools and other partners to determine what dance programs will be offered.
“Our goal has always been to ensure the Alabama Center for the Arts represents all forms of art to retain and attract students,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, president of Calhoun Community College. “Adding dance and new areas of music to our offerings made perfect sense. The ACA continues to evolve into the comprehensive arts facility we envisioned during its inception, and that success is due to the unwavering support of our local legislators, school districts, community partners, and the Alabama Community College System.”
