ATLANTA – July 8, 2026 — Canopy Studio was awarded a 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 funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations. As part of this year’s General Operating Support awards, 90 entities in 25 counties will receive $1.3 million in funding.
“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,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “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.”
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.
“General operating grants are an incredible gift because they give Canopy the flexibility to invest in the day-to-day work that keeps our doors open and our community thriving,” said Ann Woodruff, Executive Director of Canopy Studio. “While project-specific funding is essential, unrestricted operational support helps cover the fundamental costs of running our studio—from utilities and facility expenses to the systems that allow our teachers and artists to focus on what they do best. Every student, audience member, scholarship recipient, and community partner benefits from this investment, making operational grants one of the most impactful ways to strengthen the arts in Georgia.”
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 evaluate 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.
About Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) 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 (GDEcD) 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.
About Canopy Studio
Founded in 2002 in Athens, Georgia, Canopy Studio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to enriching the culture of our community and the lives of individuals through aerial dance, movement education, and performance arts. Canopy is a resource for local artists and all individuals, regardless of background, age, or physical ability, providing instruction in movement arts and a much-needed venue for viewing and participating in performances.
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