The Bowen Center for the Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1995 and incorporated in 1996. The Bowen received from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation the 2001 Preservation Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation for its restoration of the ‘Old Rock School,’ a 5,000 square foot building that for many years was part of the Dawson County School system, now known as the Ralph & Ludy Bowen Center for the Arts. These events mark the beginning of an ongoing program of events to enrich the cultural and artistic spirit of Dawson County. In October of 2000, the building became the permanent home of the Dawson County Arts Council and was subsequently named the Bowen Center for the Arts.

The mission of The Bowen Center for the Arts is to provide a canvas for creating, appreciating, and participating in the arts for people of all ages in Georgia and the Southeast who seek high-quality unique experiences through artist workshops, artist exhibitions, and performing arts.