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A large group of people stands together on the lawn in front of a white, two-story house with a porch and black shutters, photographed at dusk.

Second Phase of Culture & Community Partnership Announced

The Mellon Foundation has renewed its support for the UGA – Penn Center project with a new grant

Culture & Community

Penn Center partnership with UGA’s Willson Center to offer public events, artists in residence, classes, & workshops

Public Programs

Culture & Community includes artists-in-residence, community conversations, and Penn Scholars Research Residencies

Penn Center Conversations

The past, present, & future of a unique culture and community

A group of people sit and stand on a boat with a yellow canopy, looking out at the water on a sunny day.

Summer Research Residencies

Classes & workshops bring students & faculty from UGA, HBCUs, other regional institutions

Culture and Community at the Penn Center Historic District

A patchwork wall hanging by Torreah Cookie Washington featuring colorful geometric and floral patterns, a central textured, multi-colored fibrous arch, and two long white tassels.

Artist in Residence Torreah “Cookie” Washington exhibits in Athens, GA’s Lyndon House Arts Center

The exhibition runs October 14-27, with a free, public reception on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4-5 p.m. A second exhibition of Washington's work is on display at the Willson Center, also through October 27 ...

A historic two-story white house at Penn Center with an exterior staircase to an upper balcony and a covered ground-level patio, shaded by large, moss-covered oak trees.

Penn Center receives NPS grant for historic preservation of Butler Building

The National Park Service awarded Penn one of 54 grants for African American Civil Rights Preservation and History ...

A man wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a blue striped apron stands smiling near a window with sheer curtains at Penn Center during Heritage Days.

Charlotte Forton Community Fellow to bring culinary experience to Penn Center’s annual Heritage Days celebration

Culture and Community's Charlotte Forton Community Fellow, Chef Bernard Bennett, will bring his culinary artistry to the Historic Penn Center's 2026 Heritage Days Symposium ...