Georgia Council for the Arts Grants Announced, Downtown Statesboro Development Authority One of the Recipients

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) team specialized in supporting arts and culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, announced that more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding will be distributed to recipients in 49 counties across the state through its General Operating Support, Project, and Arts Education Program grants. Downtown Statesboro Development Authority is one of the recipients. A total of 177 grants were awarded during GCA’s initial disbursements for fiscal year 2026. Project Grants will support programs like the second annual Statesboro Festival of the Arts in Bulloch County that fosters an appreciation and understanding of traditional and contemporary artistic expression while driving positive economic impact in Statesboro and the surrounding region. 

Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) 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,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “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.

About Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences, and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve our cultural heritage, and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences. Visit gaarts.org for more information.

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast. Visit georgia.org for more information.