Arts, Sports, and Culture
Mauldin is currently known for its outstanding sports programs, public services and schools. The next goal for the city is to bring in more art and culture for Mauldin citizens. Mauldin is preparing to launch a new chapter of history for the old Mauldin Elementary school. The school building is now the Mauldin Cultural Center. Citizens can expect some exciting and noticeable changes that will take place. The 1967 wing was recently demolished, and where the wing once stood is now a grassy knoll that may be used as part of an outdoor amphitheater to attract artists and audiences looking for an open-air performance venue.
The changes to the Mauldin Cultural Center are not limited to the outside of the building. Towards the rear of the facility sits an auditorium that served Mauldin Elementary students for many years as a cafeteria, assembly hall, and gymnasium. A few months ago the Mauldin Chamber of Commerce used the auditorium in its current physical state to host the very successful train expo that brought over 4,000 visitors! The Mauldin Cultural Center Foundation Board has exciting plans to renovate the existing auditorium in order to house and promote cultural and community events. The renovated structure will serve several purposes for Mauldin: a multipurpose auditorium and meeting space, an exhibition hall, and a performance theater. Once completed, the Mauldin Cultural Center Auditorium will be available to the citizens of Mauldin as well as other groups or individuals.
Recently, the Mauldin Cultural Center Foundation Board made a recommendation to Mauldin City Council for the selection of a firm to create a design and renovation plan for the existing auditorium. The Board is moving forward with the preservation and development process with hopes to optimize the auditorium’s potential.
The Mauldin Cultural Center Foundation Board will soon select an executive director. The director will work in conjunction with the Board to fulfill the new mission of the old schoolhouse turned Cultural Center. The main objectives for this project are to preserve Mauldin’s history, to attract and promote culture and art to our area, and to encourage and facilitate community development.
Although the building no longer serves as a schoolhouse, the Mauldin Cultural Center is prepped for teaching a new generation of Mauldin citizens and visitors the importance of cultural awareness and community involvement.