The Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has announced $600,000 in grant funding for 62 organizations across 48 counties as part of its fiscal year 2026 Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grants. The awards aim to support arts programming and facility improvements throughout the state, including rural areas.
The Vibrant Communities Grant provides funding for projects such as murals, artist performances in schools, community theater productions, and festivals. The Cultural Facilities Grant is focused on capital improvements or construction of buildings used for arts programming, including historic theaters.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said, “The Georgia Council for the Arts grants announced today will deliver meaningful cultural experiences to Georgians. These investments will help communities enhance facilities and support diverse arts programming that make Georgia an even better place to live, work, and visit. The arts are central to education, community engagement, and economic growth, helping attract talent, strengthen small businesses, and draw visitors to every corner of our state.”
Applications for Vibrant Communities Grants were submitted by a range of entities including schools, libraries, museums, cities, historical societies, community theaters, dance companies, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other multidisciplinary organizations. To ensure broad geographic distribution of funds, grants were awarded to counties where no organization had previously received GCA funding for the fiscal year 2026 cycle. Cultural Facilities Grants are available to arts organizations seeking repairs or renovations to their facilities or purchasing equipment.
Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly stated: “Arts programming supported by Vibrant Communities Grants brings arts experiences to rural parts of the state that may not have a local arts organization, while Cultural Facilities Grants uplift arts facilities, often improving safety, and helping them become lasting hubs of connection and opportunity. Georgia Council for the Arts is proud to provide this essential funding to help arts organizations achieve their goals and strengthen their communities. We are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for the opportunity to provide this type of support.”
Funding comes from appropriations by the Georgia General Assembly. Details about future grant cycles will be available in December at gaarts.org.
The Georgia Council for the Arts supports artists and organizations statewide through grant funding and programs aimed at promoting civic participation and economic prosperity through cultural experiences. As part of GDEcD’s mission to foster innovation in business and promote film and digital entertainment, these grants contribute to economic development efforts across Georgia.
For more information about recipients or upcoming opportunities visit gaarts.org.
