Intuit Mailchimp gives $1 million in grants to 10 Atlanta arts organizations

Intuit Mailchimp has granted $100,000 in unrestricted funding to what it describes as “10 vital arts organizations in our hometown.”

The $1 million gift comes as many arts organizations struggle from the economic stresses caused by the pandemic, coupled with low government funding and reduced corporate support for the arts. The company said the $1 million represents only a fraction of what the creative ecosystem of Atlanta needs.

“With recent closures that have signaled a severe threat to the livelihood of the creative community, we’re taking a proactive step to bolster their resilience and help these organizations grow,” Intuit Mailchimp said in a press release. “This commitment demonstrates our belief in the power of the creative economy to drive positive change, foster inclusivity and enhance the quality of life for all Atlanta residents. Together, we can build a future where creativity flourishes, artists thrive and our communities prosper through the transformative power of the arts.”

ArtsATL is one of the 10 organizations that will receive a $100,000 grant. The others are: Dashboard, Living Walls, Moving in the Spirit, RE:IMAGINE, True Colors Theatre, The Atlanta Music Project, MODA, Atlanta Contemporary and TILA Studios.

“The importance of the arts in Atlanta can’t be overstated,” said Patti Siegel, ArtsATL executive director. “We are truly grateful for Intuit Mailchimp’s belief in our work. Artists and organizations who are doing impactful work rely on ArtsATL to connect them with audiences so they can thrive and grow, which is more important than ever.”

Lain Shakespeare, senior director of corporate citizenship at Intuit Mailchimp, said the grants are only a fraction of the support that the creative ecosystem of Atlanta needs. The grants are recognition of the value of arts organizations and their impact on the city’s cultural landscape.

“Creativity is central to Mailchimp’s brand and culture,” Shakespeare said in the press release. “Small and medium-sized arts organizations are the heartbeat of Atlanta’s creative economy. Many of these arts organizations are our customers, our partners and the places where our employees volunteer. We’re proud to help power their prosperity and help grow creative excellence in our hometown.”