Program funds Georgia art projects

Georgia embraces and encourages the arts with the Grassroots Arts Program, according to Executive Director Terry Tomasello.Tomasello said the Grassroots Arts Program is provides funding for arts projects in designated regions of Georgia.

"They are entrusting us with the re-granting of $40,787.08," Tomasello said. "We are being entrusted with those dollars to responsibly re-grant them to arts projects.

"There is a process we go through; we put an advisory committee together with a representative from each county to come and meet. We take all the applications for grants, go over them, and then we write the checks for the money. So, it really is entrusting us with a pretty large responsibility."

Tomasello said this program is excellent because it allows more rural areas of Georgia to receive funding for the arts.

Sophomore Catharine Cole from Memphis said, "I think its great. Art in itself can be pretty expensive, and when there's people willing to fund it it's really helpful to those who are interested in being involved."

Each county is allotted a certain amount of funds according to their population, Tomasello said. The grants range from $2,000 to $25, but the funds must be matched to show support for the project.

The Grassroots Arts Project is founded in Georgia, but according to Tomasello, Tennessee students can still apply as long as the art project takes place in Georgia.

Cole said: "Being in Chattanooga, we aren't far from Georgia, so it's not too difficult to take advantage of this program. Say you heard about it and your in a place like Memphis or Knoxville and it's a little further away. That may be harder."

Tomasello explained possibilities for art projects: "In the past the projects have been everything from an art exhibit, readings, small theatre productions, dance productions, putting together home made books, or musical performances. It's acceptable as long as its arts related!"

Sophomore Arrielle Holsey from Nashville said she commends this program. "The arts are under-recognized everywhere," she said. "Anyone will go to a football or basketball game before they would go to a musical concert or to see a group sing."

Cole said the program is very inspiring. "It may encourage other people who may not think that there is much of a future in art; you know how everyone says a 'starving artist.' There are people out there who are decent in art helping artists to see what they can produce"

Tomasello said she is excited about the Grassroots Arts Program. She said, "It really is a neat program, and a lot of interesting projects come out of it.