NORTHEAST ALABAMA– Northeast Alabama arts grants totaling $103,600 will support 10 organizations and schools across five counties.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts approved 11 awards for recipients in Etowah, Calhoun, Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson counties. Together, the grants will support operating costs, performances, arts education, festivals, concerts, and artist residencies.

Statewide, the council awarded $3,909,400 to 201 organizations and educational institutions. The grants support projects during fiscal year 2027, which runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.

Etowah County Receives $56,500

Etowah County recipients received the largest regional share. The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation received $50,000 for operating support.

In addition, the Etowah County Board of Education received $6,500 for an After-school Visual Arts Program.

Calhoun County Receives $22,300

Community Actors Studio Theatre received two grants totaling $15,800. The awards include $9,600 for its 2026-2027 Season and $6,200 for its Theatrical Arts Instructional Program.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville State University received $6,500 for a production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Marshall County Receives $13,000

Three Marshall County recipients shared $13,000. Snead State Community College received $5,300 for Summer Community Studios.

Also, Mini Wren received $4,500 for a Renaissance Festival for Emerging Artists and Performers. Mountain Valley Arts Council received another $3,200 for its 2026-2027 Concert Series.

Jackson County Receives $8,700

The Art Society of Jackson County received $4,800 for Winter Art Festivals. Additionally, the Paint Rock Forest Research Center received $3,900 for an Artist-in-Residence Program.

DeKalb County Receives $3,100

The Little River Arts Council received $3,100 for the 11th Annual Creative Spirit Market in Mentone.

However, the official award list does not include a Cherokee County recipient.

Grants Support 2027 Arts Programming

The council approved this funding round during its quarterly meeting in Florence and Sheffield. Applications came from the cycle that closed June 2.

First, council staff checked each application for eligibility. Then, arts-sector peers, the Grants Review Committee, and the 15-member council board reviewed the proposals.

Funding comes from the Alabama Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Overall, the Northeast Alabama arts grants will support programming throughout the coming fiscal year.

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