Pottery class – Photo credit: Monroe Walton Center for the Arts
Grant is for general operating support from Georgia Department of Economic Development
MONROE, GA — Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts (MWCA) announced that it has been awarded a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Department of Economic Development team specialized in empowering arts and culture, for fiscal year 2027.
The grant provides operating support to nonprofit arts organizations.
“Through high-quality arts and cultural events, Georgia’s nonprofit arts organizations foster economic vitality in their communities and provide opportunities for young people to grow and connect,” Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly said in a press release. “These grant funds will relieve some of the burden of operating expenses, allowing the recipients to focus on their primary mission. We are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for providing this support.”
The grant will help support MWCA’s ongoing operations, including community arts programming, gallery exhibitions, classes and workshops, outreach efforts, Healing Arts programs, and other initiatives that expand access to meaningful arts experiences in Walton County.
“We are deeply grateful to Georgia Council for the Arts for recognizing and investing in the work happening here in Monroe and throughout Walton County,” Hope Reese, Executive Director of MWCA said. “This support helps us continue doing what we care about most — making the arts accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission has always been ‘Art for All,’ and this grant strengthens our ability to live that out in real, practical ways.”
MWCA received an average panel score of 94 by peer panelists. The score at which GCA grant funds were exhausted was 86.75 for General Operating Support Grants.
Panelists commended MWCA for its “collaborative programming, inclusive work, partnerships, multi-generational focus, and programs serving people with disabilities. The organization’s Healing Arts programming was noted as a particular strength.”
According to the press release, one panelist wrote that MWCA is “deeply embedded in its community in a way that feels organic, not forced,” adding that the organization is “not trying to ‘reach’ the community, they are the community.” Another panelist noted that “Art for All” is “not just branding,” but is reflected in scholarships, free programming, open creative gatherings, student exhibitions, and community outreach.
“We are especially proud that the panelists saw the heart of this organization,” said Amy Weems, Vice President of the MWCA Board of Directors. “MWCA is more than a place to take a class or see an exhibit. It is a place where people connect, create, heal, learn, and belong. This grant is a meaningful affirmation of the work being done by our staff, instructors, volunteers, artists, members, and community partners.”
Panelists also recognized the organization’s “strong structure, experienced instructors, thoughtful planning, exhibition processes, strategic priorities, and responsible financial management.”
“This kind of operating support is incredibly important for a nonprofit arts organization,” said Nancy Moate, Treasurer of Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts. “It helps strengthen the foundation beneath everything the community sees — the classes, exhibits, outreach programs, student shows, and special events. We are thankful for this investment and for the continued support that makes MWCA’s work possible.”
Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and National Endowment for the Arts.
About Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts: Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts center located in downtown Monroe, Georgia. Through gallery exhibitions, art classes, pottery, workshops, local artist markets, Healing Arts programs, free creative gatherings, student exhibitions, and community partnerships, MWCA works to make the arts accessible and meaningful for all. Learn more at monroewaltonarts.org.
About Georgia Council for the Arts: Georgia Council for the Arts 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 georgia.org/arts for more information.
About GDEcD: The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast. Visit georgia.org for more information.
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