Applications for 2026 Programming Are Now Closed.

All applicants are highly recommended to attend an ACE workshop. If you were unable to attend, a recording is available at the bottom of this page

What is ACE?

The Arts and Culture Enrichment program (ACE) is intended to integrate arts, culture, heritage, design, and other creative disciplines as strategies that strengthen the City of Savannah’s economic, physical, and social vitality. Arts and Culture are important contributors to the vibrancy of Savannah’s neighborhoods, and the City of Savannah supports opportunities for art and culture to enhance and enrich the quality of life for Savannah residents and guests.

An annual call for Proposals is held each year to align fiscal year resources with the City of Savannah’s priorities in a measurable way. The City seeks proposals that position arts, cultural, and creative programs as catalysts to realize the City’s goals of increasing economic growth through skill-building, employment, and entrepreneurship; improving the aesthetics of built environments; building and reinforcing a strong sense of community; engaging, developing and inspiring young people through imaginative approaches; and to increase access to art and culture in close proximity to where residents live. Submitted proposals are reviewed and evaluated by members of the Cultural Affairs Commission, who are City of Savannah citizens appointed through an application process by the Mayor and Aldermen.

Review the 2026 Arts & Culture Investment Program Guidelines. 

2025 contracted organizations sign into Neighborly to submit your reports by clicking here. 
Review the Neighborly login instructions here.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. The ACE program is a competitive process. Proposals may or may not be recommended for funding; therefore, agencies should not rely upon or have an expectation of funding from the City of Savannah. This is an investment process with many applicants submitting proposals of merit. Past submission of an application, past city investment, participation in a workshop, and/or technical assistance from staff does not guarantee that the Savannah City Council will allocate funds toward the proposed project.

2. City investment is intended to purchase programs and investment initiatives that address the City’s Strategic Plan, have measurable outcomes, and benefit the Savannah community. It is not intended to support general operating and overhead costs that are not associated with the program or service being funded. Agencies are strongly encouraged to pursue other funding alternatives to support their programs and operations.

3. Investment recommendations must be approved by the Mayor and Aldermen in accordance with the final Budget and if approved, contracts for services will be executed with selected providers.

Technical Resource Center

In addition to producing and presenting cultural opportunities, the Department of Cultural Resources serves as a resource center providing technical assistance to cultural organizations, program information and marketing services, a cultural calendar, grant writing, and funding workshops.

All applicants are highly recommended to attend an ACE workshop. A recording of the workshop is now available at the bottom of this page.

ACE Important 2025 Dates and Timeline

Saturday, June 7 - 8:30am-12:00pm 

Super Grant Saturday, in-person only at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.

Thursday, June 12, 8:00am - ACE Applications OPEN

Applications will be open in Neighborly.  

Thursday, June 12, 6:00-7:00pm

ACE Information Session, in-person only at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.

Monday, July 28, 5:00pm - ACE Applications CLOSE

Proposal Submission Deadline

Questions? Please email scaccontracts@savannahga.gov