Georgia Council for the Arts quarterly newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 3 (Jan. 2008)

Volume 1, Issue 3

Quarterly Newsletter of Georgia Council for the Arts

January 2008

Inside this Issue:

The Arts & Economic Prosperity

Round Two Grants

Georgia Art Communities Cited in National Study

Awarded

2

Showcase Planned for

third round of AFTA research: in support. As Wall Street by Susan S. Weiner Bibb (Macon) County, Savan- analysts state, "That's a 7:1

Arts Education

2

Great Grants: Writing

Tips and Advice

3

Notes from the Field:

Pine Lake, Georgia

3

January 25 is the deadline to submit grant applications
for the following program areas: General Operating Support, Community Arts Programs &
Services, Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, Folklife Projects, and Project Grants,
Round One

Americans for the Arts (AFTA), the nation's leading non-profit organization for advancing the arts in America, has released a study that documents what many arts organizations already know: the arts are an economic engine that provide significant benefits to surrounding communities.
The publication, Arts & Economic Prosperity III, presents an important lesson - communities that invest in the arts reap the additional benefits of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life that positions them to compete successfully in the 21st century's creative economy.
Three communities in Georgia participated in this

nah, and Atlanta (See chart below). Because of their participation, significant data about our industry that is specific to our state is available for review and analysis. The national numbers tell an exciting story. Data was collected from over 6,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and more than 94,000 audience members in all fifty states.
Nationally, the total economic impact of the arts industry produced 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs, and big revenues for local, state, and federal governments: $7.9 billion, $9.1 billion, and $12.6 billion respectively. That's nearly $30 billion in revenue, while these three levels of government collectively spend less than $4 billion annually

return on investment, something every investor is looking for."
The study also concludes that the typical arts event attendee spends $27.77 per person, per event, in addition to the cost of admissions. Non-local audiences spend twice as much as their local counterparts, further expanding the economic impact on the arts organization's community. The audience members spend money in restaurants, on transportation and lodging, and at the souvenir/gift shop.
The results of the AFTA study completed in three Georgia communities provide a look at the impact that the arts provide to

small, medium, and large

cities across the state.

Though circumstances in

specific communities may

not allow for an exact com-

parison of this data to your

community, it is an excel-

lent source of general

knowledge that supports

our premise: The non-

profit arts industry is

not only a major con-

tributor to the state's

second largest industry -

tourism - but also pro-

vides jobs, economic

growth, and quality of

The chart represents the findings of the Americans for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity III in Georgia study. For more information or to read the entire report, visit the website at www.americansforthearts.org

life improvements for the state.

Volume 1, Issue 3

Quarterly Newsletter of Georgia Council for the Arts, Page 2

January 2008

Round Two Grant Awards Announced
More than $200,000 in Additional Fiscal Year 2008 Funding Awarded

More than fifty artists and artsorganizations have received Round Two grant funding from Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA). Areas in which funding was awarded include Arts Education programs such as Artist-in-Residence and Arts Services programs such as Capacity Building. Grants for the National Endowment for the Arts' American Masterpieces program, which provides opportunities for Americans to become acquainted with the best of their cultural and artistic legacy, were also distributed.
But why have a Round Two? GCA creates this second round to accommodate unexpected opportunities, such as organizations that may want to present a performer who was not previously available. This second deadline also allows applicants to apply for support for projects or organizational

needs that arose after the start of the fiscal year.
Round Two grant funding for this year was available to non-profit organizations, units of government, schools, colleges, and universities with a demonstrated history of and commitment to arts programming. There are three types of grants available.
Arts Project Grants support projects that use arts programming as its primary activity.
Touring Grants support projects that hire artists and/or arts organizations from the GCA Touring Artist Roster
Capacity Building Grants support projects that strengthen organizational capacity and elevate organizational excellence

Funding awarded this year represents an increase of more than fiftypercent with $4000.00 being the average amount awarded. Recipients represent a broad spectrum of the arts community and includes arts councils, festivals, colleges, dance ensembles and theatres.
Also announced with the Round Two funding are new additions to the Arts Education Consultant Bank and Teaching Artists Bank: Aaron Levy, Taamiah Adbel Rahim-El, Valetta Anderson, and Audrey Jetter. Although there is no financial compensation for being included in the Banks, those artists are promoted by GCA in the agency roster publication.
For a complete list of Round Two Project Grants awarded, visit the "News and Announcements" section of the Georgia Council for the Arts website (www.gaarts.org/ws_gca.asp)

GCA Presents Arts Education Exclusive Showcase
Event to Provide Funding Information and Innovative Ideas

Are you a classroom teacher, school administrator or arts educator? Or are you an artist who wants more information on how to become involved with schools and educational programming? If the answer to either of these questions is an enthusiastic "Yes!", then Georgia Council for the Arts has an event planned just for you.
Artists, Teachers, Arts Educators and Education Administrators are invited to attend the Arts Education Showcase on Saturday, January 26 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The event is presented exclusively for those who are seeking funding and ideas for working with students in a

structured, educational setting. "Although arts education professionals are members of a close-knit community, this event is a great opportunity to network," states GCA Executive Director Susan Weiner. "The Showcase provides a chance to become reacquainted with old acquaintances and meet those who are new to the field."
Showcase attendees will meet teaching artists who offer artist residencies, arts education consultants who offer assistance with arts integrated curriculum development, and arts organizations that offer professional learning units (PLUs) for arts integration training. Information and materials will also be available about funding opportunities for arts education grants for schools or districts for the 2008-2009 school year.

Arts Education Program Manager Debora Ott believes that the Showcase is invaluable to those involved with arts education. "This event allows applicants to explore options and become informed before they complete their grant applications," she says. "I'm grateful that the artists have come together to help with the coordination of this Showcase."
The Showcase will be held in the Georgia Public Broadcasting building in (Midtown) Atlanta, at 260 14th Street, NW. Although registration and parking are free, attendees are encouraged to register early as the event will be "first come, first admitted" due to space restriction. To register, send an e-mail to GCA at gaarts@gaarts.org or call (404) 685-2787.

Volume 1, Issue 3

Quarterly Newsletter of Georgia Council for the Arts, Page 3

January 2008

Great Grants: The "Write" Way!
Last-Minute Grant Writing Tips & Advice

The first GCA grant application deadline is quickly approaching. Narratives have been written, budgets have been compared and support materials have been gathered. Make sure you submit a polished and professional application by following these helpful hints:
Write clearly and concisely. GCA receives several hundred grant applications annually. Every Program Manager and panelist is responsible for thoroughly reviewing each application package in preparation for the Peer Review Panel. Writing clearly and concisely ensures that there is no miscommunication between your project objectives and what is interpreted when the application is reviewed.
Be neat and accurate. The application should be professional and error free. Sloppy work presents a negative image of the applicant organization and often leads to confusion that may hinder a positive funding outcome. Don't rely on spell check. Print multiple drafts and have several people proofread the old-fashioned way - with handwritten corrections on the paper.
Follow directions to the letter and don't ask for exceptions, including deadline extensions. Funding organizations, including GCA, have an obligation to treat each applicant fairly and without bias by adhering to one set of rules for all. Don't assume it's okay to make substitutions, changes in the application form, or submit material a "day or two" late. These actions will typically result in dis-

qualification from funding consideration.
Make sure that your request fulfills a service or need of interest to a targeted demographic. Read the guidelines to understand allowable project expenses for the requested funding. As a state agency, GCA is accountable for any tax payer dollars used to support award funds. Additionally, GCA must report to the National Endowment for the Arts for all federal dollars. Applications that don't provide a budget breakdown for the use of requested funds, are typically disqualified

from consideration.
Be Prepared. Remember, the agency receives a high volume of applications and phone calls. Although GCA encourages calling for assistance when preparing the application, you may have to leave a message. Leaving detailed information, that clearly states any assistance required, will help Program Managers find an answer before returning your phone call.
For more tips on writing a great grant application, visit the GCA website and click the Grantsmanship" tab.

Notes from the Field: Town Uses Art to Entertain and Educate

Provided by Susan S. Weiner
Pine Lake, Georgia - a very, very small town in eastern DeKalb County prides itself on its active arts activities, many of which bring non-residents into its boundaries. A city populated by artists of every ilk and a city with many artists among its elected officials, it is not surprising that Pine Lake has found an innovative and inexpensive way to keep their visitors' children engaged.
The coloring book, See Pine Lake, Story and Coloring Book: Once Upon a City was written and drawn by resident Veronica Wright. This 8.5 by 11 inch, thirty-page publication offers insight into Pine Lake's location, wildlife, residents, and events. One activity in the book is to locate the wide variety of fantastic yard art! Pine Lake's official bird is the kingfisher,

whose image appears on its logo. Young artists can color the bird, matching its shade to that of nature or being creative and fanciful. Elsewhere, a neighborhood cat is drawn and his role in "policing the neighborhood" is explained.
This delightful, yet small and inexpensive effort, has brought much happiness to children, has salvaged an otherwise disastrous outing of unhappy youngsters for some parents, and has left a positive impression to all visitors. It could work for your arts organization, too!
Each edition of the GCA Newsletter will include an article that features an innovative idea, service, or product that further promotes the arts. E-mail GCA with your "outside the box" idea at gaarts@gaarts.org.