Georgia Council for the Arts announces more than $1.3 million in grants

The Georgia Council for the Arts on July 14 announced that more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding will be distributed to recipients in 49 counties across the state.

A total of 177 grants were awarded during GCA’s initial disbursements for fiscal year 2026, and a complete list of these grantees can be found here.

Some of the local arts organizations to receive funding include the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Callanwolde Foundation, Center for Puppetry Arts, City Springs Theatre Company, Dad’s Garage, Flux Projects, Hammonds House Museum, High Museum of Arts, Horizon Theatre Company, Out Front Theatre Company, Spruill Center for the Arts, and Stage Door Players.

The General Operating Support Grant will provide funding for operating support to 104 nonprofit arts organizations. The Project Grant will help fund 45 single art projects such as an art exhibit, a theater production, a series of children’s workshops, an artist residency, or capacity-building projects, such as developing a strategic plan, creating a development plan, or providing professional development. The Arts Education Program Grant will be distributed to 28 organizations to support the arts in K-12 education, and may include a variety of disciplines, from visual art to music or theater, to dance and creative writing. 

“The arts are at the heart of Georgia’s communities, and our vibrant arts organizations are enhancing downtowns, creating jobs, and connecting people. These grants will help strengthen communities across the state, encouraging tourism, business opportunity, and local pride,” Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said in a press release. “These awards will also provide educational opportunities for students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for the future workforce in any industry.”

Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, schools, cities, colleges, and multi-discipline arts entities. Additional grants for Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities programs will be awarded in fall 2025. 

“These grants support programs that benefit Georgians by encouraging students to develop technical and creative skills, boosting tourism, energizing public spaces, and solving community issues,” Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly said in the press release. “With this vital funding, GCA is able to support the growth of healthy, vibrant communities all across the state. We are grateful for the support that the Georgia General Assembly provides Georgia Council for the Arts and the arts sector across Georgia.”

Georgia Council for the Arts used Peer Review Panels to judge and review the eligible applications received. Following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts, panelists include GCA Council members, fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, and Georgians with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge. 

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