Cultural Arts Center opens applications for two top grant programs. What you need to know

Arts and culture groups in Savannah looking for a financial boost for community programs, or those in need of performance space, can now apply for this year's round of subsidies from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center.

The SCAC's Spotlight Use Facility and Arts and Cultural Enrichment grant programs are now available for application. The deadline to apply for both is 5 p.m., July 25.

The Spotlight program provides financial support for use of the SCAC's Ben Tucker Theater and multi-use Studio Theater. The ACE program provides support for community arts and culture programming which can range from educational events to full-on festivals.

"The ACE program is our largest grant program," said SCAC Cultural Services Coordinator CJ Bogle.

Spotlight applications will be considered for facility use on four dates from September to November this year, according to a City of Savannah press release. Facility use also comes with a dress rehearsal, a technical rehearsal and an audio/visual technician.

For organizations with a budget of less than $50,000, the spaces can be rented for no cost. Organizations with budgets in the $50,001 to $150,000 can rent the spaces for $25 an hour. Organizations with budgets up to $250,000 can rent the space at a rate of $50 an hour.

Examples of programs that used spotlight benefits in 2023 include 100 Black Men of Savannah's "Young Warrior" play, a Tybee Ballet Theatre performance, and a Building Bridges Enterprise dance performance.

"The spotlight program is really good for grassroots nonprofits," Bogle said.

This round of ACE applications will be for events planned in 2025. The program is funded through the City of Savannah's budget, and 22 programs benefited this year's allotment of $635,000. The award amounts for ACE grants range from $7,000 to $100,000, Bogle said.

Examples of arts events receiving support in this year's budget include Savannah First City Pride's Pride Festival and Parade, the Savannah Black Heritage Festival, the Savannah Music Festival's Musical Explorers and Jazz Academy events.

Applications, submission guidelines and additional for the Spotlight program can be found here, while the same information for the ACE program can be found here.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.