ScaD:Strategic, Cultural, appropriation on Display

By: Robert G. Bryant

The savannah college of art and design (scad) was founded in 1978 to provide educational pathways for students in this region. The institution of higher education would also serve as a learning community for students in the usa and beyond.

The growth of scad has created an international presence with Three campuses and an online program. As the college expands so does the need to identify space for Learning, students, and offices. Local communities are impacted by growth, specifically when the Financial framework does not support local taxes in the area. The college is exempt from paying taxes due to its non-profit status, while the growth of the college means local real estate becomes acquired and no revenue results to support city expenses.

Residents who live in the city pay taxes, utilities, and other fees for services provided through the city And/or county.

It becomes a question of how the college can engage in a fair exchange where the same services, utilities, and properties carry a value that does not support the overall area, despite students’ use of municipal resources. That missed funding creates a gap that is mostly filled with residents of the area, creating an unbalanced model for taxation in the municipality.