The Columbus Museum was awarded a Bridge Grant and an Arts Education Program Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, totaling over $35,000 for fiscal year 2025. The Bridge Grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations while the Arts Education Program Grant supports arts programs for K-12 students. As part of this year’s Bridge awards, 204 entities in 44 counties will receive more than $2.6 million in funding.

“These grant dollars will allow arts organizations in Georgia to focus on their primary mission to bring art and cultural events to their communities by relieving the burden of certain operating expenses,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help our arts organizations continue to foster economic and cultural vitality in their communities.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from organizations from across the state, including performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters, government entities, public libraries, schools, and music festivals. Bridge Grants are available to arts organizations for eligible operating expenses like rent, utilities, programming expenses, and marketing. Arts education programs receiving funding include afterschool and summer arts programs, arts integration and STEAM programs, and teaching artist residencies.

Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) 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.