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July 11, 2026

Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

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The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international economic development mission this week to Scotland and Ireland, where they are meeting with business leaders and government officials to strengthen relationships and encourage additional investment in Georgia.

The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Group, whose investments in Georgia represent the largest economic development project in state history. The Governor is also scheduled to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and visit several companies with operations in Georgia.

Among the companies participating are Kerry Group, which operates food-processing facilities in Rome and Calhoun, along with CRH, Kingspan Group, Mallaghan, and Smurfit Westrock. The delegation will also tour the Georgia Southern University Wexford Campus to promote educational and economic partnerships between Georgia and Ireland.

Governor Kemp said the trip is focused on creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for hardworking Georgians through continued international investment.