PRESS RELEASE:​

Allied Arts Awarded General Operating Support Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts

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MILLEDGEVILLE, GA — July 14, 2025 — Allied Arts is proud to announce it has been awarded a General Operating Support Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) for fiscal year 2026. This funding, made possible through the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, will support essential operating expenses and help sustain arts programming in our local community.

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The General Operating Support Grant is a critical funding initiative designed to help nonprofit arts organizations across Georgia focus on their mission-driven work by alleviating day-to-day financial pressures.

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“Allied Arts offers a wide range of events and arts programming designed to engage residents of all ages in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, and surrounding areas. Signature events like Arti-Gras and the newly reimagined Jazz & Art Fest bring interactive, hands-on experiences to the community, while programs like Retired and Inspired, Party In the Plaza, GospelFest, and Community Art Projects foster ongoing creativity throughout the year. We collaborate with local and visiting artists—including faculty from Georgia College and State University—to present music, visual arts, theater, dance, and more across multiple venues, from schools to downtown stages. In FY26, we’re excited to grow our most beloved programs and launch new community art initiatives that invite everyone to create together,” said Rebekah Tobar, Executive Director of Allied Arts.

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As part of this year’s awards, 104 organizations across 27 Georgia counties will receive more than $1 million in total funding. GCA received applications from a diverse range of arts organizations, including performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters, and festivals.

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Funding from the General Operating Support Grant can be used toward key expenses such as rent, utilities, programming costs, and marketing. These grants allow organizations like Allied Arts to focus on delivering meaningful cultural experiences and strengthening the local creative economy.

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“Georgia’s nonprofit arts organizations are bringing quality arts and cultural events to their communities, fostering economic vitality and providing opportunities for young people,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “This grant funding will allow these organizations to focus on their primary mission by relieving some of the burden of operating expenses, and we are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for providing this support.”

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All grant applications are reviewed by peer panels composed of arts professionals, GCA Council members, and community representatives with experience in the arts and cultural programming.