There is still time to apply for up to $2,000 for Art Project Grants through the Grassroots Art Program (GAP). The deadline for submitting completed applications is Friday, October 3 at 4 p.m.

Forms and granting guidelines are available online at www.artsclayton.org; by email request to artline@artsclayton.org; or by calling Sara Cookson at 770-473-5775.

GAP is funded by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and is designed to ensure all Georgians have access to the arts activities which enrich our lives. Every Georgia county receives an equal per-capita allocation. Arts Clayton, as the appointed re-granting agency, is responsible for collecting applications and distributing the funds in Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Newton, Rockdale and Spalding counties in accordance with state regulations.

This statewide arts program is designed to encourage local collaborations between artists, arts organizations, and non-arts organizations, in order to serve a broad range of Georgia’s residents. Funding is open to any non-profit organization (which has been granted 50l(c)(3) tax-exempt status) or unit of local government. Civic clubs, churches, theatre groups, arts festivals, Boys & Girls clubs, libraries, senior citizens’ centers and parks & recreation departments also may be eligible to apply. Ideally, Grassroots Arts Projects will create new opportunities for citizens to experience the arts, while fostering greater awareness and developing local partnerships in the arts. Schools and non-profit organizations with a community arts project are encouraged to apply.

Examples of projects eligible for funding include (but are not limited to): visual arts exhibits and public art programs, concerts, readings, theater and dance performances, film programs, folk art projects, murals, storytelling, workshops and art festivals. Projects combining arts and education are encouraged.

“This is one of our most exciting programs,” stated Linda Summerlin, Executive Director of Arts Clayton. "Through GAP we are able to assist many local organizations who do tremendous work in reaching out to the citizens of Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Newton, Rockdale and Spalding counties. We encourage partnerships between schools, community organizations and art groups to extend the impact of their art projects.”

Funded art projects must be accessible to the general public; organizations must provide a 50 percent cash match of the awarded amount, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2009. For more information about the Grassroots Arts Program, to discuss a potential project, or to request assistance with an application, visit the Arts Clayton website at www.artsclayton.org where you may download the application and granting guidelines; email Sara Cookson at artline@artsclayton.org to request information; or call 770-473-5775.

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