ArtsBridge Foundation receives Georgia arts operating grant
ArtsBridge Foundation has received a fiscal year 2027 General Operating Support Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, joining 90 nonprofit arts organizations selected to receive state funding for operating expenses.
The grants, announced by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Georgia Council for the Arts, total $1.3 million and support organizations in 25 counties across the state. The funding may be used for eligible expenses such as rent, utilities, programming and marketing.
ArtsBridge Foundation Executive Director Thomas Fowlkes said the grant will help the nonprofit continue providing arts education opportunities for K-12 students throughout Georgia.
The Georgia Council for the Arts said the General Operating Support program is designed to help nonprofit arts organizations focus on their missions by offsetting day-to-day operating costs. Eligible applicants included performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters and music festivals.
Funding for the grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Chinese Dance Company to debut original dance theater production
The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company will present “Chinese American Journeys,” an evening of original dance theater exploring Chinese American history and identity, during two performances Aug. 15 and 16 at the Emory Performing Arts Studio.
The production marks the first time in the company’s more than 30-year history that an entire performance has been devoted to original works centered on Chinese American stories. Choreographed by Co-Artistic Director Kerry Lee, the program blends traditional Chinese dance with contemporary dance, ballet and martial arts.
The performance features three original dance dramas. “Votes for Women” is inspired by Chinese American suffragist Mabel Ping-Hua Lee’s advocacy during the early 20th century. “Ribbon Dance of Empowerment” follows a young Chinese American girl’s journey of self-acceptance in the South, while “We Belong Here” celebrates community and resilience.
Founded in 1991, the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company has traditionally staged productions in Duluth. This year’s move to Emory’s Performing Arts Studio marks the company’s first major in-town production, aimed at expanding its audience.
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 15 and 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Emory Performing Arts Studio, 1804 N. Decatur Road in Atlanta. General admission tickets are $27. Early admission tickets with priority seating are $40.
Click here for more information and tickets.
— Derek Prall
Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage
The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25 percent in June, prompting the organization to urge Atlanta-area residents to schedule blood donation appointments.
The Red Cross said hospitals are using about 3,500 more units of blood each week than expected as summer trauma cases increase. Officials said the shortage is most severe for platelets and Type O-positive and Type B-negative blood.
According to the Red Cross, blood donations typically decline during the summer because vacations, travel and school breaks reduce donor participation and the number of blood drives. The organization said those factors have widened the gap between the nation’s blood supply and patient demand since late May.
Donors who give blood between July 13 and July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued at up to $15. Eligible donors can schedule appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta partners announce new Visa Street Soccer Park
The City of Atlanta, Visa, Bank of America and Street Soccer USA have announced a partnership to develop a Visa Street Soccer Park in Atlanta, expanding access to youth sports and community programming.
City officials unveiled the project during a community event at Ralph David Abernathy Plaza, where Mayor Andre Dickens joined representatives from the partner organizations and local youth to discuss the initiative. The park is intended to transform underused space into a neighborhood hub for soccer, recreation and educational programming.
The park will offer recreational play, youth development activities, academic enrichment and community events tailored to local needs. Street Soccer USA will oversee programming in collaboration with the city and local organizations.
The partnership aims to increase access to recreation while creating spaces that encourage community engagement and youth development.
— Derek Prall
