The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance (GCAA) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the City of Gulf Shores as part of the city’s inaugural Nonprofit Grants Program. The funding will support the expansion of the organization’s art and music education programs, which serve residents and visitors of all ages.

The Nonprofit Grants Program, launched in October, is designed to assist local organizations that provide direct services to the local community. GCAA is one of five nonprofits selected during the 2025 fall awards cycle.

Founded to promote the arts and foster creative expression, GCAA operates a Gallery and Learning Center that offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and performances. The organization plans to use the grant to purchase materials for beginner-level instruction in both visual arts and music.

“Art and music give our community a way to share our regional culture with visitors, while also giving our local artists and musicians a place to join together with their talents and ideas,” said Kim Shannon, a longtime music educator and representative of GCAA, “As a music educator of over 30 years, I’ve seen how important creativity is in supporting family activities for all ages.”

The grant will fund supplies such as easels, brushes, aprons, and canvases for art classes, as well as music stands, tuners, lesson books, and sound equipment for private and group music instruction. GCAA’s offerings include painting, drawing, and resin/glass art classes, as well as ukulele and guitar lessons. The organization also hosts group music sessions and student performances at local art markets.

Shannon said the impact of the programs is already evident.

“Many young artists who began their journey at the Learning Center have gone on to study art in college,” Shannon added, “Music students have formed ensembles like the Pirate String Band, which won Best in Class at the Panama City Music Festival. And every year, returning snowbirds bring their ukuleles and joy to GCAA’s beachy music sessions. The participants in our classes always leave happy, with a new way to express themselves.”

City officials praised the organization’s role in enriching the cultural life of Gulf Shores.

“The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a cornerstone of our cultural community,” said Gulf Shores City Administrator Jon Walker, “Their programs not only inspire creativity but also bring people together across generations. We’re proud to support their mission to make the arts more accessible and inclusive for everyone in Gulf Shores.”

Residents can support GCAA by enrolling in classes, attending local art events, or donating supplies and funds to help expand access to the arts.

Other recipients of the 2025 fall Nonprofit Grants include the South Baldwin Literacy Council, Christian Service Center, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and Sea Glass Initiative.