Our Mission
With the goal to establish an umbrella arts organization that raises public awareness of the arts in Franklin County, Gulf County, and Mexico Beach, the mission statement of the Gulf Alliance for the Arts defines our objectives: The Arts Alliance will coordinate, present, encourage, and promote the Arts, including visual, performing, literary, and media arts, as well as art education, in our community.
The Gulf Alliance is building a local infrastructure for the arts in Franklin, Gulf and Mexico Beach by including
public recognition for all types of local artists, arts activities in public schools, public arts events, Information on local arts and culture.
Background
In the spring of 2000, several arts enthusiasts gathered to discuss their desire for more cultural activities in the small rural communities of the Forgotten Coast. Everyone acknowledged the lack of an infrastructure to support arts and culture in our area. There was little communication between arts organizations and related groups either within a town, a county, or between counties. Artists in various disciplines were working throughout the area but often received no recognition. Arts information was usually unavailable or, when available, often haphazardly communicated to the public. It was also agreed that several sub-cultures, unique to the panhandle area, are taken for granted. Leaving the history of these indigenous cultures and their arts unrecorded could become a lost opportunity during the current period of rapid growth and development along the Forgotten Coast.
During the following two years several significant events occurred. An ad hoc group was formed to determine how to increase cultural activities in Gulf County. Residents from Franklin County and Mexico Beach in eastern Bay County joined forces with Gulf in a tri-county effort to support and develop the arts. At that time Suella McMillan representing FALA and ACE of the FL Department of Cultural Affairs offered her assistance. A needs assessment was conducted through a series of public meetings. There was an amazing turnout of over 70 enthusiastic participants. In the winter of 2002 the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to serve Franklin County, Gulf County, and Mexico Beach, Florida.
The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts is recognized as a Local Arts Agency by the State of Florida and the Gulf County Board of Commissioners has designated GALA as the officlal arts agency of Gulf County.
Organization
The Gulf Alliance is an all-volunteer organization with a Board of Directors. Directors meet monthly and the election of officers occurs at the Annual Membership Meeting held on the third week of January each year. The Fiscal Year is January 1 to December 31.
For a great time with a crew of extraordinarily fine companions, we invite you to join one or more of the following committees:
Membership
Artists Directory
Event Development
Newsletter
Marketing
Grant Writing
