The Albany Museum of Art was awarded an $8,000 Arts Education Program Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025. The Arts Education Program Grant supports arts programs for K-12 students and helps fund programs from visual arts to music or theater to dance and creative writing. As part of this year’s Arts Education Program awards, 75 entities in 22 counties will receive more than $540,000 in funding.

“These grant dollars are vital funding that will allow for the continued development of the creative workforce that employers in Georgia are seeking,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help our arts communities foster educational opportunities for young people that encourage self-confidence and problem-solving, and we are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for providing this support to improve quality of life across the state.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from nonprofit organizations, government entities, public libraries, schools, and colleges and universities delivering arts programs to K-12 students. Arts education programs receiving funding include afterschool and summer arts programs, arts integration and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs, and teaching artist residencies.

The grant funds will be used to introduce students in Southwest Georgia to the AMA’s African Art Collection. The museum has one of the largest collections of Sub-Saharan African art in the Southeast and is engaged in growing the collection with works from contemporary African artists. An exhibition of works from the collection will be on view Jan 23-April 26, 2025.

“Originating from Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, our collection offers a comprehensive portrayal of African culture,” Curator of African Collections and African-American Art Sidney Pettice said. “Ghanaian gold weights, Ethiopian crosses, and masks from various Sub-Saharan regions illustrate diverse themes—from commerce to tradition and ceremony. This expansive array fosters a profound understanding of African art and history.”

Executive Director Andrew J. Wulf, Ph.D., said Pettice’s expertise in African art collections helps the museum fill historical gaps and amplifies narratives that can be overlooked in traditional curricula. “Her insights connect students with their heritage and shed light on the African diaspora's contributions to American society,” he said.

Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem ensures that students who visit the AMA engage meaningfully with the museum’s artworks and artifacts. “Through creative expression, guided tours, and educational resources, she fosters critical thinking and empathy,” Wulf said. “By contextualizing artwork within historical and social frameworks, students gain a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and social justice issues.”

The museum tours are free for schools and other organizations. “The AMA's commitment to providing accessible, enriching educational experiences underscores our dedication to nurturing the next generation of culturally competent and globally aware leaders,” Wulf said.

These grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge.