Georgia: State Art Collection Tour

The Room Offers New Possibilities, by Nancy Roberts. Photo courtesy Georgia Council for the Arts

To make art more accessible and showcase the creative talents of state artists, state arts agencies may seek new ways of sharing their state art collections, including conducting state art collection tours. These initiatives provide educational opportunities and enhance public engagement with the state arts collection, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) recently announced the return of the State Art Collection Tour, a curated traveling exhibition of works from Georgia’s State Art Collection, available to rural and small communities for the first time in 10 years. The collection, an extensive and vibrant chronicle of works created by Georgia artists from the 1970s to the 1990s, serves as an educational tool, preserves the state’s artistic heritage, and disseminates knowledge about Georgia’s art and artists. This tour aims to celebrate Georgia’s artistic legacy and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts while boosting local cultural activities and tourism.

Up to 10 communities will be selected through a competitive application process to host the exhibit for six weeks. The exhibition will feature a variety of visual art mediums, including traditional paintings, photographs and drawings by artists such as Nellie Mae Rowe, along with craft traditions like quilting and lacemaking. These works will connect the rich and diverse Southern art histories with the communities of Georgia. Each exhibit will pair works from the State Art Collection with pieces by local and regional artists, creating a unique and enriching experience.

To support the host venues, GCA will provide a $7,000 award per site to assist with marketing and community activities. Additionally, GCA will supply marketing materials, gallery guides, and student and teacher resources, as well as transportation and handling of the artworks. A guide for additional community activities will be provided to encourage partnerships between local officials, businesses and artists, promoting community and economic development. To learn more, contact Georgia Arts Council Visual Arts Manager Kenny Oaster.