Fifteen arts non-profits received $71,710 in Augusta-Richmond County arts grants on Nov. 5.
Each year, the City of Augusta allocates funding to the Greater Augusta Arts Council to distribute to the non-profit arts community, according to a news release. For fiscal year 2025, funds were re-allocated to support general operating expenses or special projects.
“It brings me immense joy to witness our community’s vibrant nonprofits receive support through the City Arts Grants, empowering their missions to enrich lives. I am excited to see the growth of this program in seasons to come. Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated panel of experts who thoughtfully evaluated each application, ensuring that every grant reflects our commitment to the arts and community,” said Denise Tucker, Greater Augusta Arts Council Executive Director.
A presentation was held at the Nov. 5 Augusta Commission meeting. Panelists who reviewed the applications were Mickey Williford, Chair; Jason Craig, Daniel Evans, Matthew Fraser, Pam Jackson, Sheila Kamath, and Lasima Turmon.
The following nonprofit arts organizations received grants: Augusta Mini Theatre, $5,756.54; Augusta Symphony, $5,756.54; Colton Ballet Company $4,934.17; Barefoot Productions $5,756.54; Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art $5,756.54; Tuesday’s Music Live, $2,467.09; The Jessye Norman School of the Arts $5,756.54; Le Chat Noir, $5,756.54; Augusta Westobou Festival, $4,111.81;The Augusta Players $5,345.36; Augusta Choral Society, $5,756.54; Augusta Chorale of Georgia $4,276.28; Imperial Community Theatre, $4,111.81; Augusta Concert Band, $2,055.91; and Sacred Heart Cultural Center, $4,111.81.
Funding through the FY25 Annual City Arts Grant Program enables arts organizations to provide programming and educational opportunities throughout Augusta- Richmond County, to promote Metro Augusta as a cultural destination, to build the capacity and stability of Augusta’s arts and cultural organizations, to enhance the economic development of the city through the arts, and to share arts programs and activities with underserved audiences, the news release said.
Eligible arts organizations had to have a Richmond County address and be a legally designated non-profit for a minimum of one year.