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PRESS RELEASE: The Otis Redding Foundation hosts Ribbon-Cutting for Long-Awaited Center for the Arts
Macon, GA (March 19, 2025) – On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Otis Redding Foundation hosted the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA) located in the heart of downtown Macon, GA.
Participants in the first of this week’s grand opening activities were Zelma Redding, President/Founder of the Otis Redding Foundation; Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President/Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation; Justin Andrews, Director of Global Initiatives of the Otis Redding Foundation; Mayor of Macon, GA, Lester Miller; Christy Kovac, Board Chair for the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Sheridan Construction, the company responsible for the Center building; Reverend Jake Hall; Kimberly Kelsey Epps, ORCA Director; and Dakarai Williams, Otis Music Camp alumnus.
“It is indeed a great day to be in Macon-Bibb County, and guess what…we’re sitting in the morning sun. Maybe we’re not watching the ships roll in, but we’ll be watching a lot of children roll into this facility and change the lives of many people in our community,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We’re on a big stage here in Macon, thanks to the family of Otis Redding and thanks to the people here today.”
Welcoming city and county officials, board members, key partners, and the community of Macon, ORCA opened its doors to this state-of-the-art facility. The 15,000 square-foot space features seven creative labs, five private lesson rooms, an amphitheater, and the O3 Recording Studio named after Otis Redding III, who passed away in April, 2023. A bronze statue of Otis Redding, created by artists Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley, Jr., in 2002 and honoring the song, (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” will be installed as part of the Zelma Redding Amphitheater on the Center campus later this spring.
ORCA will serve students ages 5-18 in music and the arts education, with plans for programming serving toddlers and senior citizens later this year. ORCA is a testament to the enduring legacy of Otis Redding, who was not only one of the greatest musical artists in the world, but was also a philanthropist committed to giving back to his community and enriching young people through the arts and education.
ORCA festivities continue this week with the Grand Opening on Saturday, March 22nd. The public is cordially invited from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to meet the ORCA staff, tour the Center and enjoy music and art activities, with food provided by Nu-Way Weiners, Frios Gourmet Pops and more.
Karla Redding-Andrews says, “To have my father and mother’s dream become a reality here in Macon, Georgia is very special not only for our family, but for our community. We look forward to welcoming students and continuing the work of the Otis Redding Foundation here in this extraordinary Center.”
For more details on the Center, its team and upcoming programs, visit
Stay connected to the Center on Instagram @orcamacon.
