Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts closing after 46 years

The Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts says it will close its doors at the end of the year.

After 46 years of serving the River Region, the organization is expressing deep gratitude for the businesses, arts organizations, artists, volunteers, donors, and patrons who have supported its mission.

MABCA was founded in 1979 by the late business and community leader Wynton M. “Red” Blount to bring business and the arts together for the betterment of the area with the long-standing Business in the Arts Awards, consulting services to businesses and arts organizations, educational programs, public art projects and art shows.

Over the years, MABCA has been responsible for creating the first City of Montgomery Public Art Commission creating and managing significant art installations such as the Rosa Parks statue at Dexter Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. bust at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Selma to Montgomery March 50 th Anniversary sculptures at St. Jude and 5 Points, Nat King Cole Mural on Maxwell Blvd., Civil Rights Mural on Montgomery and Lee Streets, Wright Flyer replica on Maxwell Blvd, Nostre Luna sculpture and the Children’s gate at the MMFA Sculpture Garden, Rainbow Solider sculpture at Union Station and the Daedalus sculpture at Maxwell Air Force Base.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said Mark Bunting, MABCA Chairman. “Our esteemed long-time Executive Director, Ashley DuBose Ledbetter, announced her plans to retire last year, and after thoughtful consideration, our Board made the choice to close. Our community has shown incredible support over the years, but everything has a life span and we are proud to say we feel our mission has been accomplished. We have made the difficult choice to close in a way that honors the spirit of what we have built together.”

For 23 years, Ashley DuBose Ledbetter is credited with being the driving force behind MABCA’s growth, community engagement, and enduring commitment to the arts. During her tenure she also served as Cultural Arts Advisor/Manager to former Mayor Todd Strange during his time in office.