Perry Kemp

Our keynote speakers

This year’s keynote speakers are longtime Acworth residents and preservation advocates Perry Kemp and Alan Kemp, whose deep family roots and ongoing community leadership make them uniquely connected to the festival’s theme, “Building Community Through Story.”

The Kemp brothers are active leaders in the Save Acworth History Foundation (SAHF), an organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, stories, artifacts and community heritage. Through their preservation work, public presentations and community engagement efforts, they help document and celebrate the history that shaped Acworth.

Perry and Alan also recently transformed their family’s historic 1975 office building — originally developed by their father, Willie B. Kemp — into Lakeside Executive Suites, downtown Acworth’s first co-working space. Their work reflects a thoughtful balance between historic preservation and community revitalization, helping breathe new life into downtown while honoring its past.

Perry serves as executive director of Acworth Cultural Arts and has been instrumental in developing community arts initiatives, including the continued growth of the Rena Henton Community Theatre.

Their keynote conversation will highlight the importance of preserving local stories, honoring community history, and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the people and places that define Acworth’.