Arts & Cultural Enrichment Program

Applications for 2024 Programming will Open on June 12, 2023

Applications Open Monday, June 12
All applicants are highly recommended to attend an ACE workshop.
Workshop dates: June 10 at 9am, June 21 at 6pm, June 22 at 1:30pm. All workshops take place at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. June 22 will have a virtual attendance option.

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 2024 Arts & Culture Investment Program Guidelines. 

2023 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.

ACE Important Dates and Timeline

June 10 | Super Grant Saturday - In person workshops for multiple funding opportunities begins at 9am at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center

June 12 | Applications Open (Review the ACE Guidelines here)

June 21 | Informational Workshop (In person):  6:00-7:00pm

June 23 | Informational Workshop (Virtual and in person) 1:30-2:30pm

July 28 | Applications Close

August | Cultural Affairs Panel review and deliberation

Oct-Nov | Funding recommendations presented to City Council

November | Applicants notified of funding recommendations

December | Applicants notified of approved awards

Questions? Please email CJ Bogle at scaccontracts@savannahga.gov