In September 2024, the devastating force of Hurricane Helene swept through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, leaving a path of destruction that profoundly impacted thousands of lives and communities. Among those hit hardest were countless artists, whose workplaces and studios were destroyed, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their futures.
As a cornerstone of Augusta, Georgia’s vibrant arts and culture community, the Greater Augusta Arts Council immediately recognized the urgent need to support its local artists as they began rebuilding.
“Augusta’s roots in art and culture run deep; they’re braided into our history, neighborhoods, and the very rhythm of the city. We don’t just support the arts, we live them. From spoken word to jazz, paint to performance, creativity has always been part of who we are. And as we grow, we honor those roots by creating space for new voices, stories, and beauty to rise,” said Denise Tucker, executive director, Greater Augusta Arts Council.
The History of Greater Augusta Arts Council
Founded in 1968 by the Augusta Junior Woman’s Club and the Junior League of Augusta, the Arts Council was established to anchor “opportunities and events for artists and art lovers.” Over the decades, they’ve consistently championed cultural vibrancy and creative expression, notably through organizing the beloved Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival and managing vital initiatives like the Annual City Arts Grant Program. Their long-standing commitment to the arts has made them an indispensable resource in the region.
Empowering Recovery and Relief through Grant Programming
When disaster struck, the Council acted swiftly. As a resident of Augusta for over 30 years and an artist with a background in singing, instruments, and dance, Denise was deeply connected to the community’s urgent need for support. Denise and the Council acted with unwavering dedication to repurpose $30,000 from their programming and operational funds to distribute Microgrants.
Densie added, “When Hurricane Helene hit, many of our artists lost work and the tools, spaces, and stability they relied on to create. The Creative Fund and Resource Hub, made possible by the Hurricane Helene Crisis Fund through the Community Foundation of the CSRA, is our community’s response to that loss. This isn’t just about recovery, it’s about restoration. It’s about reminding our artists that they matter, that their work matters, and that Augusta stands with them as they rebuild and reimagine.”
By early December 2024, the Council had successfully launched the C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E. FUND (Creative Relief for Emergencies and Assistance Through Individual Vital Empowerment) on GO Smart. This crucial fund provided microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to 51 local artists, offering a lifeline when needed. The grant was open to artists from every discipline rooted in the Greater Augusta River Region, even if the artists weren’t members of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. The application, streamlined to alleviate additional burdens during a trying time, focused on the most vital questions: understanding their work, its community contribution, the devastating losses incurred during the hurricane, and the specific financial support requested from the fund.
Nearly 70 artists’ applications painted a poignant picture of profound challenges: the crushing weight of mounting bills due to lost work, the heartbreaking sight of entire studios—canvases, supplies, and paints—reduced to rubble, and perhaps the most precious and irreplaceable loss of all: time itself.
While not everything could be replaced, the C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E. FUND could empower artists to regain a sense of stability, allowing them to take care of themselves, begin planning new projects, and acquire the essential materials needed to breathe life into new creations.
Celebrating Our Partnership with the Greater Augusta Arts Council
The Greater Augusta Arts Council uses GO Smart to ensure its invaluable work continues seamlessly, allowing artists to receive the critical funds they need to create. A streamlined and straightforward grants management system is vital, especially during distressing events like Hurricane Helene. The Council’s story is a powerful testament to the hope that can be created when grantmakers are equipped with the right tools.
“The GO Smart platform has been instrumental in helping us manage and promote our available grants; it’s truly been a game changer,” Denise said. The intuitive and efficient system allows us to streamline our processes to better serve our community. The GO Smart team has been incredibly accessible and supportive every step of the way. We’re grateful for this next-level platform and the people behind it.”
GO Smart’s reliable system has empowered the Greater Augusta Arts Council to amplify its impact and simplify its processes, allowing it to focus on what truly matters: supporting artists and enriching the community. We sincerely thank Denise and the Greater Augusta Arts Council for sharing their inspiring story and trusting us to play a role in their pivotal work.
