Well, Hello Creatives!
We’ve arrived, 2025 is here, and what a year it promises to be! Before the calendar flipped, we proudly launched the Creative Grant Initiative, and we’re thrilled to share that we’ve already distributed $22,000 in micro-grants to support the incredible talent in our community.
Looking ahead, the excitement doesn’t stop! We’re gearing up for the Voices of the Diaspora Black History Art Show, hosted at Better World Studios in Graniteville. The call for this powerful exhibit is live now, and submissions will be accepted until late January, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work!
At the Greater Augusta Arts Council, our dream team is working hard to make magic happen. While I’d love to get to everyone’s inquiries, share ideas, and engage one-on-one, my plate is SLAMMED with current projects and settling into my new role. Please know that I value every idea and question but need time to prioritize the incredible work already in progress.
I also encourage you to take a closer look at what the Arts Council is already doing, you might be surprised to find that many of your requests are things we’ve been championing for years.
We’ve also heard some feedback from non-members, with misconceptions like “membership is too expensive” or “the Arts Council doesn’t serve the community.” Let’s set the record straight: Individual artist memberships are just $35 a YEAR, less than $3 a month! This grant initiative is just one of many ways we support our community.
Here’s an important distinction: An Arts Council and an Artist Guild are not the same. While a Guild fosters artist-to-artist connections, an Arts Council focuses on advocacy, collaboration, and connecting artists to jobs, opportunities, and the community. If you’ve ever taken the stage at Arts in the Heart, showcased your work at Wet Paint, or enjoyed Augusta’s vibrant public art, you’ve already benefited from the work of the Arts Council.
This year, we’re committed to greater transparency, expanded impact, and building our memberships. Participation matters. Membership matters.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us in making 2025 the year of collaboration, growth, and creativity. Together, we are the heartbeat of the arts in Augusta.
Submit your art, renew your membership, and let’s make magic happen!
Until Then “Talk Artsy to Me.”
Yours in Art and Inspiration
Denise