Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Celebrating Arts & Culture in San Antonio
The Carver Community Cultural Center has been a cornerstone of cultural exchange and artistic excellence in San Antonio since 1929. Originally established as a community center for African-Americans, it evolved into a premier venue for performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs celebrating diverse cultures with a focus on African and African-American heritage. Our historic venue has hosted legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Gregory Porter, while continuing to nurture local talent and community engagement. Through our year-round programming, we offer immersive experiences in music, dance, theater, and visual arts, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation across generations. Our dedicated team and board work tirelessly to preserve this historic landmark while innovating our offerings to meet contemporary artistic needs.With specialized educational initiatives like Art Labs and youth matinee series, we ensure accessibility to the arts for all ages and backgrounds. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with national and international artists, as well as our community-driven outreach programs. As a special project of the City of San Antonio's Conventions Sports and Entertainment Facilities Department, we maintain rigorous standards of operation and financial transparency. Our facility includes the 650-seat Jo Long Theatre and the intimate Little Carver Civic Center, both available for public and private events. With over a century of service, we remain steadfast in our mission to celebrate cultural diversity through artistic presentations, community outreach, and educational programs.
Services
Performing Arts Events
Art Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Venue Rentals
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1929
Highlights and features
- Over 95 years of cultural programming excellence in San Antonio
- Hosts nationally-acclaimed performances and local community events
- Offers accessible arts education for all ages and skill levels
- Maintains historic venues with modern technical capabilities
- Specializes in African and African-American cultural programming
Services
Performing Arts Events
Our main stage hosts national and international artists across music, dance, and theater genres. From jazz legends to contemporary dance troupes, our programming showcases diverse cultural expressions. Each season features over 20 professional productions that attract both local audiences and regional visitors.
Art Exhibitions
The Carver Gallery presents rotating visual art exhibitions featuring local, regional, and international artists. Our contemporary space highlights works in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media with special emphasis on African-American artists and cultural themes.
Educational Programs
We offer year-round arts education through Art Labs, youth matinees, and summer camps. Our programs serve over 10,000 students annually with hands-on classes in music, dance, theater, and visual arts taught by professional artists.
Venue Rentals
Our historic venues include the 650-seat Jo Long Theatre and the flexible Little Carver Civic Center. Both spaces feature professional technical equipment and are available for weddings, conferences, and cultural events with support staff and box office services.
Community Outreach
Through mobile arts labs and neighborhood partnerships, we bring arts experiences to underserved communities. Our outreach initiatives include free performances, artist residencies, and collaborative projects that promote cultural understanding and creative expression.
People
George Williams, Jr., Ph.D.
Chair, Carver Development Board
Vice President for Student Affairs at Our Lady of the Lake University with over 20 years in education leadership. Doctorate from University of New Mexico, specializing in diversity and cultural responsive teaching. Active community leader and Carver board chair.
Melvin Amerson
Vice Chair, Carver Development Board
San Antonio native with 20+ years consulting nonprofit organizations. Author of stewardship guides for faith-based institutions. Holds M.Div. from Gammon Theological Seminary and BBA from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Passionate arts supporter.
Erika D. Robinson, Esq.
Secretary, Carver Development Board
Legal professional with expertise in nonprofit governance. Provides strategic counsel to cultural organizations while maintaining active law practice. Committed to preserving San Antonio's cultural heritage through community service.
Cassandra Parker-Nowicki
Director
Arts administrator with extensive experience in cultural programming. Oversees daily operations and artistic direction of the Carver's performance season. Advocate for equitable access to arts education in underserved communities.
Andrea 'Vocab' Sanderson
Director of Education
Community engagement specialist developing innovative arts education initiatives. Manages youth programs and artist residencies that serve over 10,000 students annually. Promotes hip-hop culture as a tool for educational empowerment.
Questions
What types of performances can I expect at the Carver?
Our season includes jazz, gospel, classical, dance, and theater productions featuring both local talent and internationally recognized artists.
Are there educational opportunities for children?
Yes! We offer Art Labs, summer camps, and school matinee performances that provide hands-on arts education for students of all ages.
Can I rent the Carver for private events?
Our Jo Long Theatre and Little Carver Civic Center are available for weddings, conferences, and cultural celebrations with full support services.
How does the Carver support local artists?
We showcase regional talent through gallery exhibitions, performance opportunities, and artist residencies that foster creative development.
Is the Carver accessible to the public?
Our galleries and performances are open to all with free admission for school matinee series and many community events.
What is the Carver's historical significance?
Established in 1918, we're San Antonio's longest-operating cultural center with a vital role in preserving African-American heritage through the arts.
