Georgia Council for the Arts

10/20/2026

The Georgia Poet Laureate’s Prize gives high school students across the state an opportunity to share an original composition and have their creativity recognized.

Selected students will have their poems published in Atlanta Magazine, be recognized at a ceremony in the spring, and receive a signed book of poetry from the Poet Laureate.

Encourage a high school student to learn more and submit a poem by January 15:
https://georgia.org/ArtsPoetLaureatePrize

10/13/2026

Bring poetry alive in the classroom with Poetry Out Loud!

Poetry Out Loud gives high school students the opportunity to build self-confidence, strengthen analytical skills, and develop an appreciation for poetry through recitation.

Students can advance through local and state competitions as part of this annual program for the chance to compete at the national finals in Washington, D.C., with travel provided.

Getting involved is easy. Schools, school systems, and nonprofit organizations can organize local competitions, with free materials and lesson plans available to help educators integrate the program into their existing curriculum.

Interested in bringing Poetry Out Loud to your students? Register to participate: https://www.alliancetheatre.org/schools-educators/poetry-out-loud/

10/09/2026

Georgia arts organizations: Governor Brian P. Kemp has issued an updated State of Emergency for all 159 Georgia counties in preparation for Hurricane Isaias.

We want to share some resources for artists and arts organizations in case you face an emergency in the coming days.

Please stay weather-aware with the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and follow Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency recommendations https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes.

Resources for arts organizations year-round are below: https://georgia.org/industries/arts/resources.

As your organization prepares for potential impacts, our thoughts are with you.

Here you will find Governor Kemp's executive orders. These orders are legal instruments by which Governor Kemp carries out the duties of his office.

10/08/2026

Calling Georgia’s young writers!

The Georgia Poet Laureate’s Prize is an annual poetry writing competition that gives high school students across the state an opportunity to share an original composition and receive statewide recognition. The winner and four finalists are published in Atlanta Magazine and celebrated at a recognition ceremony in the spring.

Students can submit an original poem by January 15: https://georgia.org/ArtsPoetLaureatePrize

09/22/2026

Applications for the Georgia Council for the Arts K-12 Teaching Artists Registry are still open!

This registry is a public resource that is especially helpful for schools, libraries, and community groups seeking to hire professionally vetted, background-checked Georgia-based Teaching Artists. These artists deliver, and many will custom-create, arts, arts integration, and STEAM lessons, residencies, assemblies, and professional development aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

The application deadline is November 20, 2026. Apply today: https://georgia.org/ArtsTeachingArtists

09/03/2026

Do you know a talented teen writer whose work deserves to be recognized?

The Georgia Poet Laureate’s Prize is now accepting entries from high school students across the state. Each year, the program recognizes outstanding original poetry while encouraging creativity, literacy, and artistic growth.

Students can submit through a teacher or local organization, or pursue the opportunity individually.

Encourage a young poet in your school or community to submit their work for statewide recognition.

Learn more: https://georgia.org/industries/arts/programs/arts-education-programs/poet-laureate-prize

Pictured: Georgia Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn, left, with 2026 winner Jaiden Geolingo of Macon. Photo credit: jm photographics

09/03/2026

Could one of your students be Georgia’s next Poetry Out Loud champion?

Poetry Out Loud is now accepting registrations for the 2026-2027 program. High school students in grades 9-12 can explore poetry through performance while building confidence and public speaking skills.

Educators and organizers have access to free lesson plans, competition guidelines, and an online anthology of classic and contemporary poems. Students can also participate individually, with or without a teacher or organization.

Learn more and register through Alliance Theatre, our partners in hosting Poetry Out Loud: https://www.alliancetheatre.org/poetry-out-loud

Pictured: Georgia champion Rory Berg reciting a poem at the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Championship in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: James Kegley Photography

08/26/2026

There’s still time to apply for funding from Georgia Council for the Arts! Get assistance with:

Restoration or upgrades for arts facilities
Projects that boost access to the arts and nurture rural communities

Learn more about grant funding opportunities at Georgia.org/Arts Grants Applications are due August 31.

08/25/2026

Your rural Georgia community could be the next to bring a Vibrant Communities project to life!

Georgia Council for the Arts wants to help bring arts project funding to eligible counties, and your organization could make it happen. Nonprofit organizations, libraries, government entities, and schools and universities in select counties across Georgia are eligible to apply – no previous grants experience required.

Find out if your county is eligible and get the details you need to apply here: Georgia.org/ArtsVCGrants.

Deadline: August 31

08/21/2026

Arts organizations across South Georgia are coming together to connect, learn, and share ideas at the 2nd annual South Georgia Arts Symposium.

Hosted by The Arts Center of Moultrie on September 3, the symposium brings together arts leaders, advocates, and organizations for a day focused on strengthening the region’s arts community through collaboration and capacity-building.

The Georgia Council for the Arts team will lead a session highlighting GCA programs and resources available to arts organizations, along with a breakout session focused on grant writing.

Registration closes August 26.

Learn more and register for the South Georgia Arts Symposium: https://www.moultriearts.org/symposium