The Gadsden Arts Center and Museum recently announced that the center was ranked ninth of 517 cultural organizations statewide for Florida’s Department of State for a Division of Cultural Affairs General Program Support grants.
High ranking organizations like Gadsden Arts are recognized for excellence in programming, impact in the community, management and fiscal condition, and accessibility.
The 517 applicants represent a variety of cultural organizations – museums, arts centers, zoos, botanical gardens, and others – from the relatively small Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, with just three full time staff, to much larger institutions that have hundreds of staff members.
“We are very proud to be ranked in the top 10 this year!” said Grace Robinson, who serves as the executive director for the local center and museum. “Gadsden Arts is a very small art museum that hosts national quality art exhibitions, and broad ranging art programs, especially for children. We have a real impact for thousands of people every year – educating children, enriching leisure time for adults and seniors, bringing people together, boosting tourism, and bringing as much as a million dollars into our local economy each year. “
“Gadsden Arts is a community-driven organization, and that is our strength,” Robinson added. “Everything we do is made possible by the community we serve, from our volunteers, members, and donors, to our foundations, grantors, sponsors, community program partners, artists, and all of the people who enjoy the museum’s programs.”
According to the center, this year, pending final budget approval, state grant funds will support nearly 10 percent of Gadsden Arts’ general program activities, furthering the state’s objectives to support quality exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events for residents and visitors.
Gadsden Arts extended a special thanks for this support to the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, and Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Secretary of State Laurel Lee, Representative Ramon Alexander and Senator Lorrane Ausley, as well as members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, House Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, and the Senate Appropriations Tourism and Economic Development Committee.
Gadsden Arts is located in Quincy.
Admission is free for museum members and children ages 17 and under. Admission is $5 for nonmember adults, and $3 for adult students.
Reservations are not needed to visit.
Face coverings are required, and a limit of 40 patrons are permitted in the museum at one time.
A free admission day is offered the first Saturday of every month, and free Art @ Home Kits are available for any family.
Visit gadsdenarts.org for more information.
