The Greater Augusta Arts Council is getting a financial shot in the arm from the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
GAAC received a Bridge grant, one specifically for non-profit arts organizations that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The local organization is one of 162 such groups to receive the funds.
“These vital funds bring life into communities all across the state. Music, theatre, dance, and visual art attract tourists, bring community members together, teach children self-confidence, revitalize downtowns, and more,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director, Tina Lilly.
Brenda Durant, Executive Director of GAAC, said the council appreciates the support of the state office, adding it was an honor to receive the grant.
“During the year, we work on multiple Public Art projects, manage two local galleries, produce the award-winning Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, as well as quarterly events, promoting local art and collecting,” explained Durant. “We also provide support to the art and artists in Augusta through our robust arts calendar, resources on our informative website, and by educating local artists of varying genres of the best business practices in all areas of workforce development.”
Durant said they received $21,000 in the Covid recovery grant. It will be used to support the council’s ongoing projects and programs.
The Bridge grant is one of three categories GCA created for the grants. There is a Project grant, which helps with more than 40 single art projects. That can include an art exhibit, children’s workshops, and an artist residency. Another 63 organizations will receive Arts Education grants. Those support arts in K-12 education, including theater, dance, music arts, and creative writing.
These are first-round grants for fiscal year 2024. The 269 grants are spread across 47 Georgia counties.
“Through this program, GCA is able to support vibrant communities where people want to live and businesses want to locate,” said Lilly.
A news release from GAAC said the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports arts and cultural production in Georgia account for $29.2 billion in the state, totaling 4.2% of Georgia’s economy, and accounting for more than 149,000 jobs.
Durant said other local organizations also received grants, including the Augusta Mini-Theatre, Jessye Norman School of the Arts, and the Augusta Symphony.
For more information about the Augusta Mini Theatre Comm Arts click to visit their website.
