Exhibits/Programs
Exhibits
Once renovation of the McCoy Church building is complete, there will be several areas for interactive exhibits.
Guests will enter an orientation area housed in the semi-enclosed theater. Through this immersive media experience, the audience will be introduced to the philosophy for the Center: That gospel music is the vivid combination of life, religion and art. Highlighting the ways in which gospel tradition can have a widespread influence within our lives, this exhibit will entice visitors to discover more about gospel music in their experiences at AGMCAC.
In the next interactive hall, individuals will step into an area that explores the rich cultivation of gospel music in Alabama. Exhibits and interpretation in this area highlight that Birmingham and Alabama have played a pivotal role in the development of gospel music. Images, documents and sound that relate to historic and contemporary sacred spaces in Alabama, the story of the slave experience, the Civil Rights movement and gospel music's unique position within these stories will demonstrate the reasons to house the AGMCAC in Birmingham. Other possible activities in this area could include an interactive map that shows the national and international influence on Alabama gospel and, conversely, the impact Alabama's shaping has had on the art form.
Another key interactive exhibit will be the Gospel Music Timeline. After visitors have gathered some basic knowledge about gospel's importance in the world and its significance in Alabama, they can delve into a rich, historical timeline.This woven narrative of people, places and events provides a deep, vibrant portrait of the history and future of gospel music. The early roots and influences of gospel, from Africa to Hymnal music and beyond, will be shown on a row of flat screen displays, creating a collage of moving visual images. From the coining of the term "gospel music" near the turn of the century, the displays will focus more heavily on artifacts, historic documents and images and listening stations will provide both compelling oral histories and vibrant examples of music.
Other amenities: Recording Studio, Research Library, Rehearsal Spaces
Other unique features the AGMCAC's new building will include are a research library, recording studio and rehearsal spaces which will be open for reservations. The recording studio will offer visitors a real-time experience of the day-to-day recording of songs, performer interviews, news and events. Visitors might even get involved in these transmissions, learning the ins and outs of recording. Adjacent to the studio, a research library and archive will allow scholars to further their own knowledge and the general study of important aspects of the gospel tradition, possibly holding lectures and developing temporary exhibits for the Center. Finally, a lower-level rehearsal space will connect to the sanctuary upstairs, allowing performers a private and calm area to change and warm up. On the second floor, additional rehearsal space will be available for professional musicians to meet, compose and practice their arts.
Programs
The state-of-the-art performance facility also will offer areas for cultural education programs for children and adults. Programs will incorporate the interactive exhibits, fieldtrips for students, performance and practice areas. Students who attend the schools in nearby neighborhoods as well as the rest of the community will benefit greatly from proximity to the center.