Georgia Council for the Arts

A new initiative in Perry is helping expand creative opportunities in rural Georgia, giving local arts organizations the tools and support they need to grow, connect, and serve their communities.

This spring, Georgia Tech launched Georgia Arts Innovation Network (GAIN), funded through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and supported by the Georgia Council for the Arts. The pilot is underway in Perry, with the goal of refining a model that could be replicated in other parts of the state.

When communities invest in the arts, they invest in quality of life, local businesses, and long-term growth. Programs like this help ensure every corner of Georgia has the opportunity to thrive through creativity.

Read more about how this effort is expanding arts access in rural Georgia: https://www.gacities.com/articles/investing-in-creativity-perry-partners-with-georgia-tech-to-strengthen-local

Photo: Perry Main Street. Credit: City of Perry.

Attention Georgia-based artists!

We’re looking for one artist to create 10 unique awards to be presented to the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities this fall. The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cultural life in Georgia.

Previous awards have included ceramics, metal, wood, glass, photography, woven materials, and mixed media. All awards must be delivered in September.

Deadline for entry is June 26.

RFP details are available here: https://bit.ly/4dNoXJY

Pictured: 2025 award created by Etienné Jackson

DUE JUNE 26: Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are now open!

Presented by the Office of the Governor in partnership with Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities, the awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across Georgia through community development, innovative programs, historical preservation, and long-term investment in the arts and humanities.

Know someone doing important work in your community? Submit a nomination today at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/GDECD1/_2026GovernorsAwardsForTheArtsHumanities

We are excited to announce the five organizations selected to be a part of Georgia Council for the Arts' Red Clay Creative Cohort, which provides grants for public art and creative placemaking projects. We received more than 70 applications, and are excited to share that the following organizations will be joining us in Macon next month for a training session with Springboard for the Arts, a national leader in artist-centered community development:

- City of Cornelia
- City of Warrenton
- City of West Point
- Colquitt Miller Arts Council
- Fitzgerald – Fitz-Ben Hill Arts Council

We look forward to seeing their creative placemaking projects take shape and create lasting impact in their communities.

Pictured: City of Cornelia

Now open at , this free exhibit includes regional local artists alongside select works from the State Art Collection. Don't miss your chance to see this unique collection of paintings, photography, sculpture, and textiles. STMA is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Learn more at: www.gaarts.org/reimagine

The performing arts bring stories to life while building confidence, discipline, and connection.

These Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities honorees from 2025 show what that looks like in practice. Their work creates space for people to express themselves and engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

Whether it’s supporting young artists or recognizing excellence across the state, they’re helping the arts stay present and relevant in everyday life.

See how these honorees are making an impact: https://gaarts.org/governorsawards

We’re so proud of Georgia high school student Rory Berg for representing Georgia well in the Poetry Out Loud national semifinals Tuesday in Washington, D.C.!

Want to learn more about her journey? Read and listen to her story from WABE: https://www.wabe.org/arts-rory-berg-poetry-out-loud-georgia/

Details about the Poetry Out Loud competition for the 2026-2027 school year will be available later this year.

WATCH LIVE: Georgia Poetry Out Loud champion Rory Berg will compete in the national semifinals in Washington, D.C., and you can view the competition live at: Arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud.

Rory, a senior from Roswell High School, will be featured in the segment of the competition that begins streaming at 1 p.m.

Please join us in cheering on Rory!

Poetry Out Loud A partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating state and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a dynamic poetry recitation competition for high school students. In recognition of American250, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrat...

APPLY NOW for a special public art grant!

Cities, counties, nonprofits, and public entities are invited to apply for the NEW 2026 Red Clay Creative Cohort program. This program will be facilitated by Springboard for the Arts, a national leader in artist-centered community development.

Five communities will be selected to lead arts-based projects that enhance public spaces and encourage community growth. Training will be held June 1-2, and projects must be completed by October 2026.

Grant funding: Up to $20,000

Application deadline: April 28

Learn more: https://gaarts.org/programs/creative-placemaking/