Savannah Rep was awarded a General Operating Support Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2026. The grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations. As part of this year’s General Operating Support awards, 104 entities in 27 counties will receive more than $1 million in funding.

“Georgia’s nonprofit arts organizations are bringing quality arts and cultural events to their communities, fostering economic vitality and providing opportunities for young people,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “This grant funding will allow these organizations to focus on their primary mission by relieving some of the burden of operating expenses, and we are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for providing this support.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from arts organizations from across the state, including performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters, and music festivals. General Operating Support Grants are available to arts organizations for eligible operating expenses like rent, utilities, programming expenses, and marketing.

“This support from Georgia Council for the Arts makes it possible for us to continue creating meaningful theatre with and for our community,” said Natasha Drena, Producing Artistic Director of Savannah Repertory Theatre. “It allows us to rent local venues like the Vintage Special Event Center for our upcoming season, beginning with Tiny Beautiful Things in October, and in doing so, uplifts not only our work but the work of fellow small business owners. This kind of investment helps build a more connected, creative, and resilient Savannah.”

Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and National Endowment for the Arts.

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge.