MADISON, Ga. — The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a strategic arm of the Department of Economic Development, approved in July a $21,000 Bridge Development grant for the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (MMCC). The Center also received a $12,500 Bridge Grant from the GCA last year.

“Georgia’s arts organizations are enhancing our downtowns, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses. These grants will help arts organizations statewide strengthen communities where people want to live and visa, and businesses want to locate,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Further, these awards will support educational opportunities for students who will become the core creative workforce for Georgia businesses, contributing to the vitality of our state.”

According to MMCC Managing Director David Nunn, the grants allow expenditure of the funds for general operating expenses and help the Center stay open. “All grants that the Center applies for every year comprise approximately 15 percent of the approximate $800,000 annual operating budget of the Center every year,” he said. 

MMCC board chairman Ruth Bracewell said the grant, along with membership, donations and foundation revenue are “vital to everything we do.”

Receiving the Bridge Grant from GCA, Bracewell said, was a validation that the Center was completing an important mission.

“It’s always nice when the state’s art organization appreciates what we do out here in the trenches,” she said.

“Meaningful arts experiences deliver positive benefits to cities and towns across the state by bringing people together, encouraging students to develop creative skills, and solving community challenges,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “With this vital funding, GCA is able to support the growth of healthy, vibrant communities.” 

The grant, Nunn said, “helps us to fulfill our mission in this community.”

“We are very indebted to the Georgia Council for the Arts,” Bracewell said. 

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 multi-disciplinary non-profit institution that endeavors to enrich the lives of the residents of its immediate community and the broader region by presenting high-quality programming and educational opportunities in the fields of visual and performing arts, history, and other humanities. The MMMC is located at 434 S. Main St., Madison, and is open for visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.