ATLANTA – State Representative Chris Erwin (R-Homer), chairman of the House Education Committee, announced today that the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) – a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development – has awarded a $5,000 Project Grant to Main Street Toccoa in Stephens County in support of Night at the Ritz Season 9. This funding is part of GCA’s fiscal year 2026 General Operating Support, Project and Arts Education Program grants.
“Main Street Toccoa has been a driving force in revitalizing the downtown community of Toccoa since 1990, working tirelessly to make it the cultural and economic heart of the area,” said Rep. Erwin. “The historic Ritz Theatre is a great example of this dedication, bringing arts and entertainment to Northeast Georgia. I am proud that Stephens County is receiving support from the Georgia Council for the Arts through this $5,000 Project Grant for Night at the Ritz Season 9. This funding will help ensure that the Ritz continues to offer high-quality performances and experiences that support our community’s quality of life and preserve our local heritage.”
GCA recently announced the distribution of more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding to recipients in 49 counties across Georgia through its General Operating Support, Project and Arts Education Program grants. These grants are supported by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Project Grant will support 45 individual arts initiatives, including art exhibitions, theater productions, children’s workshops, artist residencies and capacity-building efforts such as strategic planning, development planning and professional development. In total, GCA awarded 177 grants during its initial round of disbursements for fiscal year 2026. A complete list of 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 Chris Erwin represents the citizens of District 32, which includes Banks and Stephens counties, as well as portions of Habersham and Jackson counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Insurance, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement, Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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