THE DREAM OF A DESTIN PIONEER

The Foundation is now fully engaged in taking the Arts in Destin to the next level through its plans to develop a world-class cultural arts facility.  The site of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village will provide residents and visitors to Destin with a permanent centralized location to participate in a variety of arts education and cultural opportunities for exhibits and performances by national, regional and local artists.  The Mattie Cultural Arts Village will be a fitting tribute to Mattie Kelly and will usher in a new decade of artistic opportunities in Destin.Based on the favorable response from a market assessment and positioning study from community leaders and educators, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved to launch the first phase of a capital campaign for the Outdoor Theater and Event Lawn.

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER AND EVENT LAWN
MATTIE KELLY CULTURAL ARTS VILLAGE

In early spring 2007, The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will relocate to its new home at 4323 Commons Drive on the site of the future Cultural Arts Village.  This 2,160 sq. ft. facility will serve as an administrative and visitors center, which will include an event lawn for cultural events until the first phase of the project is completed.

OUTDOOR THEATER AND EVENT LAWN

The Outdoor Theater and Event Lawn will be the main attraction of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village hosting a variety of cultural activities to bring the community together in celebration of the arts and humanities.  The event lawn will provide seating for 1,500 for live concerts, festivals and plays.  It will serve as the Foundation’s permanent home for the site of the Destin Festival of the Arts and Concerts in the Park.  Other amenities include concession and restroom facilities.

About Mattie Kelly
In the mid 1930's, Coleman & Mattie Kelly came to Destin from Washington County, Florida to develop a 900-acre turpentine farm and brought Destin its first significant payroll.  The Kelly's were considered one of Destin's pioneer families who joined the popular "fishing families" such as the Marler's, Destin's, Maltezo's and Taylor's.  The couple built the first cottages for tourists in Destin and launched the first deep-sea sport fishing boat in Northwest Florida.  From the mid 1930's until her death in 1992, Mattie Kelly used her business acumen and love of culture to nurture the community.  Publicly and privately, the Kelly's supported the arts, education and churches throughout Destin.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation was established in 1995 to honor the dream of Mattie May Kelly so that the Arts would continue to flourish and become a real part of the lives of the local and tourist community.