The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) and State Representatives Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) recently announced that the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc. (OCAF) and Nuçi’s Space were awarded grant funding for special art projects OFAC received a Vibrant Communities Grant for $4,000, and Nuçi’s Space received a Cultural Facilities Grant for more than $21,000.

“Athens is nationally recognized as an incubator for bright, young artists and musicians, and every year, thousands of Georgians travel to this region for its artist festivals and exhibitions,” said Rep. Gaines. “Our communities would not be nearly as vibrant without the outpouring of support from organizations like OCAF and Nuçi’s Space, and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the GCA for its commitment to these organizations, as well as other art programs across the state.”

“Both of these organizations are priceless to our communities, and I am excited to see how this funding will help support their missions,” said Rep. Wiedower. “OCAF has become a leading arts hub in Georgia that hosts countless art exhibitions, classes and craft shows, and Nuçi’s Space is revered by many as a sacred space for up and coming musicians to develop their craft. I am grateful that DCA selected OCAF and Nuçi’s Space to receive these grants to help these organizations continue to thrive and provide for our citizens.”

“The Vibrant Communities Grant, along with our new Cultural Facilities Grant, have allowed GCA to support some of the most impactful arts programming happening in communities of all sizes throughout the state,” said Karen Paty, executive director for GCA. “These grants invest not only in the cultural infrastructure, buildings, classrooms, theatres, museums, that support the creation of great programs, but also the downtowns, libraries, community centers and schools that invite Georgians to connect with one another and with meaningful arts experiences in their everyday lives.”

The Cultural Facilities Grant, which ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, was recently established to support the construction, renovation or acquisition of a building for arts programs, or the addition of equipment to support arts programs. The projects that were awarded the Cultural Facilities Grant must have project phases that take place from November 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

The Vibrant Communities Grant, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, supports single art projects such as an art exhibit, a theatre production, a series of workshops for children or an artist residency. Additionally, the Vibrant Communities Grant is available to organizations in counties that did not receive a Fiscal Year 2020 Project, Partner or Arts Education grant. This grant has a match requirement of 50 percent of the requested amount, and the awarded projects must take place from October, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

The GCA received a total of 133 applications for the Cultural Facilities Grant and the Vibrant Communities Grant from arts organizations, schools, libraries, cities, historical societies, community theatres, Boys & Girls Clubs and more. The GCA awarded more than $570,000 in grant funds to 79 entities in 58 Georgia counties.

Following a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) precedent, the Georgia Council for the Arts used Peer Review Panels to adjudicate applications. These panels included fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed or are Georgia citizens with a record of involvement in arts activities, experience and knowledge.

The mission of GCA is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities.  Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.