The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), through its Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), has announced the recipients of the fiscal year 2026 Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant awards—recognizing more than 60 organizations across 48 Georgia counties. Among the recipients are three Northwest Georgia organizations: the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation in Floyd County, the Paradise Garden Foundation, Inc. in Chattooga County, and the Friends of Calhoun’s GEM Theatre in Gordon County.
Together, these organizations represent the heart of Northwest Georgia’s creative and cultural heritage and will receive funding to strengthen arts programming, preserve historic spaces, and enhance community engagement. This year’s awards distribute a total of $600,000 statewide to support local arts and culture initiatives, including in rural communities.
The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a wide range of arts programming such as murals, community theater, festivals, and school performances. Meanwhile, the Cultural Facilities Grant provides funding for capital improvements to buildings used for arts programming, including historic theaters like the DeSoto and the GEM.
“The Georgia Council for the Arts grants announced today will deliver meaningful cultural experiences to Georgians,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “These investments will help communities enhance facilities and support diverse arts programming that make Georgia an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation, a cornerstone of downtown Rome’s Broad Street since the 1920s, continues to serve as a cultural hub for performing arts, film, and community events. In nearby Chattooga County, the Paradise Garden Foundation preserves and promotes the visionary art environment created by Howard Finster, one of America’s most celebrated folk artists. The Friends of Calhoun’s GEM Theatre in Gordon County works to maintain and operate the restored 1930s landmark, hosting live performances, film screenings, and educational programs.
“Arts programming supported by Vibrant Communities Grants brings arts experiences to rural parts of the state that may not have a local arts organization, while Cultural Facilities Grants uplift arts facilities, often improving safety, and helping them become lasting hubs of connection and opportunity,” said Tina Lilly, Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Arts.
Funding for these grants is made possible through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. The GCA received applications from across the state, including schools, museums, libraries, historical societies, and community arts organizations. The grants are designed to extend resources to areas that have not yet received funding this fiscal year, ensuring equitable access to cultural support.
For a complete list of recipients of the fiscal year 2026 Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grants, click here.
More information about the next grant cycle will be available in December at gaarts.org
