ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), along with State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Mike Glanton (D-Jonesboro), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Valencia Stovall (D-Forest Park), recently announced that Arts Clayton, Inc. was selected as a Cultural Facilities Grant recipient. Arts Clayton, Inc. was awarded $60,000 in grant funding for special art projects
“Arts Clayton not only showcases recognized artists, but it also provides a venue where unknown talent can emerge, making Jonesboro a destination for art lovers and creatives,” said Rep. Burnough. “I cannot wait to see how Arts Clayton utilizes this grant award to deliver more trailblazing art and culture experiences.”
“I am proud of Arts Clayton, Inc. for promoting art education for more than 30 years in the Clayton County and the south metro Atlanta area,” said Rep. Glanton. “I look forward to seeing how Arts Clayton implements this funding to continue to enrich Clayton County’s communities through arts programming.”
“I am excited for Arts Clayton and all of their amazing work of enriching lives through the arts,” said Rep. Schofield. “For me, the arts are imperative in providing cultural awareness and promoting all forms of expression and creativity. I strongly believe this grant will greatly impact Clayton County individually, economically and collectively.”
“This is truly a blessing for Arts Clayton,” said Rep. Scott. “I can’t wait to see all of the wonderful things they do with the children and the communities. For the last four years they have provided face painting for my neighborhood block party. Congratulations and keep up the great work.”
“Although the arts are not highlighted enough in our communities, they are critical to the vibrancy and mere existence of our communities,” said Rep. Stovall. “As a commissioner on the Georgia Council for the Arts, I am honored to play a role in promoting the positivity of the arts across Georgia. The Cultural Facilities Grant awarded to Arts Clayton will be a game changer because it will allow more people of all ages to be exposed to their creative sides, while making an economic impact in Clayton County.”
“The Vibrant Communities Grant, along with our new Cultural Facilities Grant, have allowed GCA to support some of the most impactful arts programming happening in communities of all sizes throughout the state,” said Karen Paty, executive director for GCA. “These grants invest not only in the cultural infrastructure, buildings, classrooms, theatres, museums, that support the creation of great programs, but also the downtowns, libraries, community centers and schools that invite Georgians to connect with one another and with meaningful arts experiences in their everyday lives.”
The Cultural Facilities Grant, which ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, was recently established to support the construction, renovation or acquisition of a building for arts programs, or the addition of equipment to support arts programs. The projects that were awarded the Cultural Facilities Grant must have project phases that take place from November 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.
The GCA received a total of 133 applications for the Cultural Facilities Grant and the Vibrant Communities Grant from arts organizations, schools, libraries, cities, historical societies, community theatres, Boys & Girls Clubs and more. The GCA awarded more than $570,000 in grant funds to 79 entities in 58 Georgia counties.
Following a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) precedent, the Georgia Council for the Arts used Peer Review Panels to adjudicate applications. These panels included fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed or are Georgia citizens with a record of involvement in arts activities, experience and knowledge.
The mission of GCA is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities. Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information on the Cultural Facilities Grant, please click here.
For more information on the Georgia Council for the Arts, please click here.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Mike Glanton represents the citizens of District 75, which includes portions of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and was re-elected in 2012. He currently serves as Vice Chairman on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Education, MARTOC and Public Safety & Homeland Security committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
Representative Valencia Stovall represents the citizens of District 74, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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