October 2010

We would like to invite you to Colquitt, GA. for the 7^th Global Mural and Cultural Tourism Conference. Colquitt is located in the heart of the Southeastern United States. The South is noted for its good food, friendly people, farming communities, and creative geniuses. The city of Colquitt is pleased to have been chosen as the host for this prestigious event.                                                                    We are looking forward to welcoming you and giving you a true taste of Southern hospitality…Colquitt style
We can't wait to host you in Colquitt in just a few months! We have our days planned and will be updating this site with details as they are finalized. On the "October 2010" page you will find a "daily guide" as to what we will be doing and a link to our registration form will be coming soon. Through the Global Mural Festival and Conference in Colquitt, we will focus on how people use their heritage, their cultures, and their resources to heal themselves, their town, and even build up these things through cultural tourism and creative outlets. We will tell you how we have used our tradition of storytelling to promote our town, stimulate the community and local economy while creating a new outlet for jobs, income, and lasting public art. We want people to leave Colquitt inspired and feeling like they got a true "taste" of the South!

Pre-Conference Activities
Monday, October 25th, 2010: Traditional Golf Tournament, Global Mural Arts and Cultural Tourism Association General Meeting, registration/check in for attendees begins.

Conference Activities
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010: Continued registration with the start of the conference at 9:00 a.m. Today will be an overview of the city of Colquitt, Georgia and the cultural tourism that has been developed here. Storytelling plays a big part in the creative outlets that attract people to Colquitt and so we want it to be a big part of the conference. Get ready for some great information and inspiration! Opening ceremonies will be held in the evening on this first day.

Wednesday, October 27th 2010: After hearing about Colquitt's story and how it has developed and impacted the city, today we will hear from other projects that have used the arts to unite young and old, rich and poor; to revitalize everything from their towns to their souls; and to break down racial and social boundaries. Artists, organizers, and participants will share the outcome of thier projects and what it has meant to those involved.

Thursday, October 28th, 2010: Neighboring state Alabama, USA also has a mural city which is just a short drive from Colquitt. While at the confrence on this day, participants will be treated to a day in Dothan, Alabama which is home to over 20 murals. http://www.dothanalcvb.com/mural_tour/

Friday, October 29th, 2010: If you haven't gotten a true "taste of the South" by today...you will before you leave. This day will inform and educate you on the agriculture and the agritourism that has build in Georgia over the past few years. Tours of the local farms and agri-tourism locations will be available and participants will enjoy seeing how the agriculture industry has influenced, upheld, and inspired tourism over the years. This will lead up to the closing ceremonies which will introduce the world to the latest Colquitt mural project. This project is a tribute to the agriculture industry and will be painted on a 100 foot silo (grain storage tower.) Participants will also be treated to the Swamp Gravy performance that put Colquitt on the map!

While you are planning, look into attending the Mural Routes 13th NATIONAL MURAL SYMPOSIUM (Canada) will be held November 5, 6, 7, 2010 at the beautiful Cranberry Resort in Collingwood, Ontario Canada.