Springer Opera House Awarded Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia’s historic state theatre, the Springer Opera House, was awarded a General Operating Support Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), 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.
“As our state’s official home for the performing arts, the Springer Opera House is dedicated to both historic preservation and world-class productions, all of which enhance the lives of our students, our patrons and our community,” said Danielle Patterson Varner, CEO and executive producer of the Springer Opera House. “The generous support of Georgia Council for the Arts is vital to sustaining our operations and ensuring the arts can continue to thrive in our region.”
Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and National Endowment for the Arts.
Georgia Council for the Arts 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.
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 gaarts.org 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 The Springer Opera House
Located in Columbus, Georgia, the Springer Opera House is a regional producing theatre company housed within a 154-year-old National Historic Landmark. As one of only seven producing theatres in the country to enjoy such a unique setting, the Springer has a rich history of cultural preservation and artistic excellence. Recognized as the State Theatre of Georgia during its 100th Anniversary Season in 1971, the Springer is dedicated to using the performing arts as a tool for education, participation, entertainment and growth, all while preserving its historic significance. The Springer Theatre Academy, one of America's largest youth theatre training conservatories, further enhances its mission by imparting valuable "Life Skills Through Stage Skills" to students ages 5-18. For more information,visit www.springeroperahouse.org.