GIAHA awarded Project Grant from GCA
Golden Isles Arts & Humanities was awarded a Project Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD )team specialized in empowering arts and culture. The award is for fiscal year 2027.
The Project Grant helps fund single art projects like art exhibits, theater productions, a series of children’s workshops, an artist residency, or may be used for capacity-building projects, such as developing a strategic plan or providing professional development. As part of this year’s Project awards, 57 entities in 19 counties will receive more than $269,000 in funding.
“Georgia’s arts communities contribute to a high quality of life across the state, fostering economic and cultural vitality everywhere from cities to rural towns,” said GSA Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help fund projects that bring artists and communities together to solve local challenges, support small businesses and downtowns, and educate young people. We thank the Georgia General Assembly for providing this support.”
GSA received applications from nonprofit organizations, government entities, public libraries, schools, and colleges and universities. Projects may be one-time events, such as a festival or exhibit, or a series of events, including a roster of classes or a run for a specific production.
“We are thrilled to receive a Project Grant to help support the Golden Isles Penguin Project’s 2027 production,” said Heather Heath, Executive Director of Golden Isles Arts & Humanities. “We continue to see outstanding growth in both our Artists and Mentors each year and it is the support of GCA and GDEcD along with generous businesses and individuals in our own community that makes it all possible.” The Golden Isles Penguin Project provides a supportive environment for young people with disabilities to explore their creative talents and perform a modified version of a Broadway musical. All the roles are filled by Artists ages 10 and up with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Artists are joined on stage by Mentors–young people the same age without disabilities who work side-by-side with them. 2027 will mark the eleventh year of the Penguin Project in Coastal GA.
Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) uses Peer Review Panels to evaluate applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge.
