ATLANTA – State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), chairman of the House Insurance Committee, applauds the recent General Operating Support Grant funding that was awarded to Paradise Garden Foundation Inc. in Chattooga County. The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, recently announced a $10,000 grant for this organization as a part of its General Operating Support, Project and Arts Education Program grants.
“I am grateful to the Georgia Council for the Arts for its continued support of art nonprofits in our communities,” said Rep. Lumsden. “It is critical that we uplift and spotlight art organizations here in Chattooga, which serve as a great resource for our citizens. Small towns in Georgia don’t always have the same access to resources for preserving local art and artists as larger cities do, and this grant helps us maintain and grow our art scene.”
The General Operating Support Grant will provide funding for operating support to 104 nonprofit arts organizations.
GCA recently announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding that will be distributed to recipients in 49 counties across the state through GCA’s General Operating Support, Project and Arts Education Program grants. Funds awarded by GCA include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. A total of 177 grants were awarded during GCA’s initial disbursements for fiscal year 2026, and a complete list of these grantees may be found here.
GCA seeks to empower the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support this industry, preserve cultural heritage and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences.
Representative Eddie Lumsden represents the citizens of District 12, which includes Chattooga County, as well as a portion of Floyd County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Insurance Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Public Safety and Homeland Security and Rules committees.
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