Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. Prior to his untimely passing in 1967, Otis Redding was already awarding scholarships to young students continuing their education. After his death, his widow Mrs. Zelma Redding continued his philanthropic efforts, and established the Otis Redding Foundation in his honor in 2007. With its roots in music, the Foundation offers opportunities for youth to exercise their talents and expand their abilities.
for the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts.
81 YEARS OF OTIS REDDING
MUSIC CAMP
Our story starts with our passion for improvement
Our programs are designed to inspire and empower youth in music and the arts.
Camp DREAM
A one week summer camp that teaches creative arts to elementary school children. Throughout the week, campers will learn about piano, guitar, percussion, stage movement, and work together to write a song that they will perform at the end of the week.
OTIS Music Camp
A two week camp in the summer with a focus on songwriting, music theory, vocal and performance technique, and music business. Throughout the camp, campers will learn from industry professionals, write songs, learn to collaborate, and participate in a finale performance.
The DREAM Cast
A bi-weekly podcast created by the students of the Otis Music Camp in Macon, Georgia, a project of the Otis Redding Foundation. Each episode of the DREAMcast will feature stories and conversations with exceptional artists from our hometown of Macon, GA and around the world.
Macon, Georgia Proclaims September 9 and 10, 2022, Zelma and Otis Redding Weekend at Groundbreaking for the Otis Redding Center for the Arts
The Foundation received donations for the new Center from presenting sponsor, Cox Communications ($100,000) and Renasant Bank ($50,000) The weekend featured performances by GRAMMY Award winner Robert Glasper, GRAMMY Award…
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Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen Partners with The Otis Redding Foundation to Announce “Mr. Pitiful’s Pilsner”
Macon, GA, (September 7, 2022) - Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen is partnering with the Otis Redding Foundation again to bring a special Otis Redding Birthday Beer. This new beer hits…
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Otis Redding Foundation Awarded and Recognized as a Southern Cultural Treasure by South Arts
The initiative funds 17 BIPOC arts organizations across the Southeastern region with $6 million. The Otis Redding Foundation is proud to be a recipient and member of South Arts’…
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Macon’s Grand Opera House Filled with Heart & Soul as Otis Music Camp Finale Takes Center Stage After Three Years of Virtual Performances
Hundreds filed into the Grand Opera House in Macon on Saturday in anticipation of the Otis Redding Foundation’s (ORF) 15th Annual Otis Music Camp (OMC) Grand Finale Performance - the…
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Take a walk through history
The Otis Redding Museum is located on Cotton Avenue right in the heart of Downtown of Macon, and has many Otis Redding treasures and merchandise that are exclusive to the museum. All proceeds from donations and items sold in the store benefit the Otis Redding Foundation’s programs.