The arts education nonprofit arm of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is one of dozens of nonprofits to receive grant funding from the Georgia Council for the Arts — a $10,000 “General Operating Support Grant.”
The money is unrestricted funding for organizations with annual expenses over $100,000. In total, the Georgia Council for the Arts awarded $1.3 million to 90 entities in 25 counties.
“These grant funds will relieve some of the burden of operating expenses, allowing the recipients to focus on their primary mission,” Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly said.
ArtsBridge keeps its focus on arts education for young people. It runs two major programs: The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards known as the “Shuler Awards,” and an arts field trip program. Past field trips have centered on live science, poetry and dance performances for thousands of students in Cobb County.
“As a nonprofit, these grant funds make a huge difference in helping us achieve our goals and stay focused on the larger mission,” ArtsBridge Foundation Executive Director Thomas Fowlkes said. “We are grateful to the Georgia Council for the Arts for their support.”
The Georgia Council for the Arts is part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. It aims to “cultivate healthy, vibrant communities rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity.”
In Georgia, arts funding is a tricky issue. According to a study from Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts economy delivers about $1.3 billion in output annually. But Georgia ranks dead last in per capita funding nationally – about $0.14 per person.
The funding for Georgia’s nonprofit entities, like performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters and music festivals work to improve arts funding. The grants can pay for rent, utilities and program costs.
“Through high-quality arts and cultural events, Georgia’s nonprofit arts organizations foster economic vitality in their communities and provide opportunities for young people to grow and connect,” Lilly said.
ArtsBridge will host its annual gala on Aug. 27, and the annual Shuler Awards on April 22, 2027.
