Georgia Council for the Arts awards Columbus Botanical Garden with project grant

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Botanical Garden will receive over $216,000 in funding as part of the 45 entities in the two counties receiving grants this year from the Georgia Council for the Arts’ (GCA) Project awards.

As a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, GCA grants the award for the fiscal year of 2026.

The project grant helps fund single art projects like art exhibits, theater productions, a series of children’s workshops, an artist residency, or could be used for capacity-building projects, such as developing a strategic plan or providing professional development.

Through its beautiful landscapes, educational programs, and community initiatives, the Columbus Botanical Garden celebrates the beauty, inspiration, and wonder of the natural world while educating individuals dedicated to fostering a love for nature and sustainability.

The garden serves as a green sanctuary for visitors and promotes community learning and access to green spaces.

“The Columbus Botanical Garden is honored to receive funding from Georgia Council for the Arts for our Enchanted Garden summer series,” said CBG Education Coordinator, Tabby Robinson. “This series is designed to highlight the wonder and beauty of nature for both children and adults.”

She added, “for a small garden like ours, being able to provide exhibits and programming to bring people to our garden is integral. Once they are here it not only provides an opportunity for them to enjoy the series but also builds a deeper connection with nature and a sense of place in the Chattahoochee Valley community.”

While the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts provide funding for the grants through appropriations, GCA uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications, following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help fund projects that contribute to community development by bringing artists to the table to solve challenges, support small businesses, and educate young people,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly.

GCA empowers the arts industry throughout the state for creative spaces such as the Columbus Botanical Garden, and other vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation and cultural experiences.