The Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC) will receive a $30,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support its Exhibit, Outreach and Academy programs.

According to a news release, the funding will help cover operational expenses, allowing ESAC to continue offering accessible arts programming across Baldwin and Mobile counties.

With the grant, ESAC plans to maintain its signature events, including the Annual Outdoor Art Show, and provide affordable art education to the community. The center said the funding underscores its role in strengthening Alabama’s communities and supporting the state’s arts and culture sector.

“In 2026, we will continue working closely with cities and towns throughout Baldwin County to fulfill our mission to make the arts accessible to ALL,” said Academy Director Reanna Watson in the release. “As we develop new programs and artistic opportunities for the community, from public art installations to Outreach field trips, we are creating professional development and employment for area artists. The Alabama State Council on the Arts operational grants fuel the artistic economy, statewide. ESAC is very grateful to be chosen as a fiscal agent for the arts in Alabama and we are dedicated to using these funds in dynamic, responsible ways.”

The grant is funded through an annual appropriation from the Alabama State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Public support enables ESAC to reach new audiences, foster community development, and provide high-quality programming, demonstrating the arts’ vital role in enhancing quality of life in Alabama.