Forsyth County Arts Alliance: Cultivating Community Art
42nd Street performed at The Cumming Playhouse
"Healing Sounds" harpist at Northside Hospital-Forsyth
Forsyth County, historically known for Lake Lanier and population growth, has added a new accomplishment to its resume - art innovator. Led by a volunteer community board, the Forsyth County Arts Alliance (FCAA,) has infused over $165,000 over a three-year period into a variety of arts programming. This spring, FCAA is accepting new grant applications and expects to award another $50,000 in grant funding.
FCAA, a fund of the North Georgia Community Foundation, enriches the quality of life in Cumming-Forsyth County by connecting people to the arts through programming, communication and support of artists and arts organizations. Some past projects that have been funded include but are not limited to the Festival of the Arts at Cumming First United Methodist Church, the Children's Play at Forsyth Central High School, the Eggstraordinary Outdoor Art Exhibit featuring larger than life eggs painted by local artists, "The Story of Big Creek" featured along the Big Creek Greenway, the North Georgia Symphony Orchestra, the North Georgia Chamber Symphony, artwork at the new Forsyth Conference Center and the Sawnee Artists Association Annual Bellezza Exhibit.
A recently funded arts program is the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Auxiliary Therapeutic Music Program, where visiting harpists, pianists and other musical performers are featured at the hospital.
"Through the generous grant of the FCAA we were able to introduce a "Healing Sounds" program at Northside Hospital-Forsyth," shared Gloria Wyatt, Auxiliary Services and Community Outreach Coordinator. "This program allows us to enhance the stay of our patients, comfort their families and create a relaxing and soothing environment for our visitors and hospital staff."
In 2011, FCAA awarded funded to first time recipient the City of Cumming, who constructed an elevated band stand and stage flooring at The Cumming Playhouse.
"FCAA funds provided for the stage renovations and creation of elevated band stand to allow for comprehensive dance and provide a suitable location for musicians without diminishing the space for stage performers," shared Linda Heard, Executive Director. "The first main stage production to enjoy the benefits of these improvements was 42nd Street performed in October. This show played to sell-out audiences for four weeks earning the top position for tickets sales and number of persons served since the inception of the Playhouse in 2004."
For those interested in applying for a 2012 grant, FCAA is offering a free Grant Workshop on March 22, 2012, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. To register, email cfccoc@cummingforsythchamber.org. Grant applications are due May 25, 2012 and funding will be awarded at a luncheon on July 19, 2012. For more information visit www.forsythartsalliance.com. To donate to this worthwhile program email jmccoy@cummingforsythchamber.org or visit www.forsythartsalliance.com and click donate in the top right corner.
