Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund

Overview

Atlanta’s arts community is one that continues to grow and expand just like the city’s population. On any given night, one can attend a musical, the symphony, a play, theatre, improvisational comedy, view showings of fine art, hear a spoken word performance or book reading, or attend the ballet or a modern dance group all across the city. Behind each of these events, there is an unseen support system driving the creative development, marketing and implementation.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund focuses on the 250+ small and medium-sized arts groups in the Atlanta area with an operating budget of less than $2 million. These organizations represent the full spectrum of cultural, economic and geographic diversity that reflect Atlanta's many different neighborhoods, customs and citizens. They are the first to show new works and the most eager to explore new avenues of creative expression. They give the city valuable opportunities for entertainment and education right in the communities where they operate. They help Atlantans to explore the issues and emotions that make us better human beings. They also are the groups most often in need of the vital financial support and expert coaching that the Arts Fund can provide. By focusing on these organizations, the Arts Fund ensures that Atlanta continues to have a strong, deeply rooted "core" for the arts that will create added value for generations to come.
 
The Arts Fund understands these day-to-day challenges, the opportunities and the unique gifts of small and medium-sized arts groups offer, providing solid stabilization funding to help ensure their success. Eligible arts organizations in our 23-county service area are invited to apply for Arts Fund grants during its regular grant cycle. Arts organizations may also secure short-term, bridge loans through the Arts Loan Fund. 

In 2010, the Arts Toolbox Award was incorporated into The Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Toolbox Award. Eligible arts organizations may still apply for support through this program.

Grantmaking

The Arts Fund recently announced new priorities and grantmaking processes for 2010. To find out more about the Arts Fund and details about its programs and grantmaking, visit the website at http://www.metroatlantaartsfund.org/. 

Leadership

The Fund’s Advisory Board, appointed by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, oversees all activities. Its grant and policy recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. The Advisory Board includes arts, community and business leaders:

• Bahnson Stanley, Chair, Ellis, McQuary & Stanley
• Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
• Barry Berlin, Atlantic Trust
• Kenny Blank, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
• Ron Brill, The Home Depot, retired
• John Burd, Brenau University, retired
• Susana Chavez, Parking Company of America
• Lynda Courts, Community Volunteer
• Mark Goldman, Goldman Consulting
• Mira Hirsch, Artist and Educator
• John Lambert, KPMG
• Camille Love, City of Atlanta, Office of Cultural Affairs
• Shirley Mitchell, Bank of America
• Veronica Njoku, Fulton County Arts Council
• Karen Webster Parks, Community Volunteer
• Della Patteson, The Coca-Cola Company
• Mark Williamson, Alston & Bird
• Lesley Grady (ex officio), The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
• Rob Hollis (ex officio), The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Partners

The Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund (the Arts Fund) was created in 1992 as a partnership between the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to help small and medium-sized arts organizations establish a sound foundation and grow into strong institutions. 

Contact

For more information about the Arts Fund, please contact, Lisa Cremin, director, at 404-588-3200.

Recent Support

Fall 2009 Grant Recipients

• Atlanta Contemporary Art Center - $50,000
• Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus - $30,000
• Atlanta Sacred Chorale - $8,000
• Atlanta Shakespeare Company - $65,000
• Cobb Symphony Orchestra - $50,000
• The Georgia Ballet - $75,000
• Horizon Theater Company - $75,000
• Johns Creek Arts Center - $10,000
• Michael O'Neal Singers - $17,000
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) - $65,000
• Out Of Hand Theater Theatre - $15,000
• Spruill Center for the Arts - $40,000

TOTAL $500,000

Spring 2009 Grant Recipients

• Actor's Express – $60,000
• Atlanta Celebrates Photography – $20,000
• Atlanta Chamber Players – $10,000
• Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County – $25,000
• Dad's Garage Theatre Company – $45,000
• Georgia Shakespeare – $50,000
• Madison Morgan Cultural Center – $70,000
• Quinlan Visual Arts Center – $40,000
• Theatre in the Square – $75,000
• True Colors Theatre Company – $75,000
• Youth Ensemble of Atlanta – $30,000