05/27/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Fitzgerald – Ben Hill Arts Council Receives Georgia Council for the Arts Grant for Community Arts Project
Five organizations statewide to receive training, funding for public art
FITZGERALD, GEORGIA – May 20, 2026 –the Fitzgerald – Ben Hill Arts Council announced that it was recently selected to participate in the Red Clay Creative Cohort (RC3), a Georgia Council for the Arts initiative that brings communities and creative people together to implement arts-based projects. The Fitzgerald – Ben Hill Arts Council is one of five RC3 participants that will receive training and a $20,000 grant for local public art projects.
“The Fitzgerald – Ben Hill Arts Council is honored to be selected for the Red Clay Creative Cohort through Georgia Council for the Arts. This opportunity will allow us to collaborate with artists, community partners, and residents to celebrate our local identity and bring new energy to our public spaces through creative approaches. We are excited to see how this initiative will inspire creativity, strengthen community connections, and contribute to the continued growth of Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County.”
— Brandy Elrod
Georgia Council for the Arts, part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is partnering with Springboard for the Arts, a national leader in artist-centered community development, to provide educational sessions and support. Each organization selected will receive training to plan and implement their projects by October 1, 2026.
“Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to extend this opportunity to the selected organizations and help them leverage public art to spur local growth,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “By bringing together public entities, engaged community members, and artists to the table for training as well as providing grant support and guidance, this initiative will help Georgia communities explore how creative approaches can activate public spaces, expand access to arts and culture, strengthen local identity, and support economic vitality.”
Selected communities include the City of Cornelia, City of Warrenton, City of West Point, Colquitt Miller Arts Council, and the Fitzgerald – Ben Hill Arts Council.
The RC3 grants are supported by funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
For additional information about GCA grants and programs, visit gaarts.org.
About Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences, and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve our cultural heritage, and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences. Visit gaarts.org for more information.
