The Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA) expanded its reach in 2024 with the successful launch of its Eastside Atlanta location (JNSA2) in partnership with Holy Cross Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, Georgia. Building on the legacy of the original JNSA in Augusta, this new chapter has already begun transforming lives in South DeKalb County, a community with significant educational and economic challenges.
Through its mission to develop student artists into creative, caring, and visionary citizens, JNSA2 has filled a critical gap in the community by providing free, high-quality arts programming and academic support. The partnership with Holy Cross, supported by Holy Trinity Parish and its Giles Fund, has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.
Transforming a Community Through the Arts
The need for JNSA2’s programs in the DeKalb County School District is clear. Schools in the area face significant challenges, including low graduation rates and limited access to extracurricular opportunities. JNSA2 addresses these issues head-on by offering a dynamic mix of fine arts education, individualized tutoring, and mentoring. Research has consistently shown that arts-based programs improve academic achievement and help close educational gaps, making JNSA2 a vital resource for students and families in the region.
The impact of JNSA2 was evident at its first Showcase event in July 2024. The performances featured over 30 students singing, dancing, and sharing their talents with an audience of more than 300 attendees. The event filled Holy Cross to standing-room-only capacity and underscored the transformative power of the arts to bring communities together. This success has already led to an invitation for JNSA2 students to perform at the 2025 Decatur Arts Festival, a prestigious opportunity that highlights the program’s potential to raise the profile of both its students and the church.
Revitalizing Holy Cross’ Mission and Space
The collaboration between JNSA2 and Holy Cross has also breathed new life into the church building itself. For over 20 years, the second floor of the church’s education building sat empty and underutilized. Now, with plans to develop the space as the permanent home for JNSA2, Holy Cross is poised to create a vibrant hub for education and creativity.
This project not only aligns with the church’s mission to serve the community but also provides a sustainable income stream through a long-term lease with JNSA2. The development of this space will allow Holy Cross to expand its outreach initiatives, maintain its facilities, and strengthen its presence as a vital community partner.
A Network of Support
The success of JNSA2 in 2024 is a testament to the power of partnership. Holy Trinity Parish’s Giles Fund provided essential support as the founding sponsor, while the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and organizations like The Atlanta Opera have added their resources and expertise to help ensure the program’s success.
With an amazingly talented staff, a supportive parish, and enthusiastic parents, JNSA2 has made remarkable strides in its first year. As it continues to grow, the program promises to uplift students, families, and the wider community, fulfilling its mission of using the arts to inspire, educate, and transform lives.