Smith-Gilbert Gardens was awarded a grant by Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2022. A total of 218 organizations were awarded 266 grants that provide more than $2 million in funding to arts organizations throughout the state. The Bridge Grant provided funding for operating support to 135 organizations, the Project Grant will help fund 54 arts projects, and the Arts Education Program Grant was awarded to 77 organizations. Additional grants for Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities programs will be awarded in the Fall of 2021.

“As we emerge from this past year’s quarantine, the arts sector is vital to restarting the economy by attracting tourists, assisting with classroom learning, and igniting events to bring communities back together,” said GCA Executive Director Tina Lilly. “The 266 grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations leverage additional funds and bring people back to work while providing fun and educational opportunities for Georgians across the state.”

“We are grateful for the support from Georgia Council for the Arts,” states Executive Director Ann Parsons. “We launched Art Blooms last year with a mission to provide emerging artists a new exhibit platform while raising awareness of the permanent works at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. This Project Grant will help us grow Art Blooms through art education programs for local students, weekly art programs for visitors, and add a temporary exhibit with regional and national artists complementing our permanent collection.  Resources from Georgia Council for the Arts, City of Kennesaw, Cobb EMC Foundation, and other local arts organizations, will allow us to grow a public art presence not only at Smith-Gilbert Gardens but throughout the City of Kennesaw.”

Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Georgia Council for the Arts uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience and knowledge. Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, cities, colleges and multi-discipline arts entities. A complete list of fiscal year 2022 grantees in these program areas can be found on the Georgia Department of Economic Development website.