Entrepreneurial American Community Award

A city that embraces arts and culture as a significant way to effect economic and social change in the community.

Arts and culture have always been a treasured resource in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but have only recently been repositioned by local leadership as a centerpiece of the community’s economic and social agendas. Through the region’s Culture Builds initiative, citizens from all walks of life have joined together in confirmation that cultural strategies can have a significant and sustainable impact on education, cultural identity, community pride, livability, neighborhood development and the social fabric of the community. Launched in 2007 as a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport, Tuscaloosa County, the University of Alabama and the Alabama State Council of the Arts, the Culture Builds initiative instigated the creation of a long-term strategic plan for the future development of the region emphasizing economic growth, multicultural understanding and enhanced public space.

Even in the midst of a challenging economy, the community banded together to ensure significant aspects of the plan are realized, transforming Tuscaloosa into a “cultural destination” and spurring economic development. Projects currently underway include the construction of a state-of-the-art 7,500-seat amphitheatre on the Black Warrior River; construction of the Tuscaloosa River Market that will include an open-air farmers’ market; a new community gathering space for events and home of the Tuscaloosa Convention & Visitors Bureau; and construction of the final section of the River Walk along the Black Warrior River. Additionally, as part of a $100 million revitalization plan in Downtown Tuscaloosa, the new Federal Courthouse will include original 9’x13’ murals in the main rotunda by renowned artist Caleb O’Connor.

Next to the downtown, the Creative Campus Initiative at the University of Alabama is serving as a bridge between the campus and the community through both community programs on campus and programs that encourage students to become involved in communities outside of campus. Efforts are also underway among the public and private sectors to define Tuscaloosa’s image and brand; enhance cultural diversity through the new “Culture Fest” initiative that will bring arts and culture to all neighborhoods in the City; and increase the number of cultural opportunities for all ages and all citizens.

These creative initiatives are purposefully designed to build on a multi-faceted cultural scene already in place including the Westervelt–Warner Museum, housing one of the largest collections of American art in the country; the Paul Jones Collection, which includes 1,700 pieces of 20th century African-American art; the award winning Kentuck Festival in Northport; and a myriad of other cultural treasures. With this growing number of diverse cultural assets, Tuscaloosa’s entrepreneurial spirit, complemented by a deep sense of tradition, is effectively leading the charge in building one of America’s most livable communities.