City of Palm Coast Announces 2026-27 Cultural Arts Grant Recipients

The City of Palm Coast is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026-27 Cultural Arts Grant Program, which supports local arts and cultural organizations that give residents and visitors opportunities to experience music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and cultural heritage.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of artistic disciplines and educational experiences, from live musical performances and theatrical productions to student writing initiatives and cultural festivals. Through these programs, the City continues to support arts and cultural opportunities that enrich the community, encourage creative expression, and celebrate the diverse traditions and talents found throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County.

The 2026-27 Cultural Arts Grant recipients and their programs are:

African American Cultural Society: The African American Cultural Society will present a coordinated calendar of 12 public cultural programs celebrating American and African Diaspora history and culture. The programming will include performances, exhibitions, lectures, youth showcases, documentary storytelling, culinary traditions, and interactive cultural experiences designed to connect history with contemporary life and encourage dialogue across generations.

City Lites, Inc.: City Lites will present its Motown & Mo’ cultural program, a live musical and theatrical production celebrating the music, artists, choreography, and cultural influence of Motown. The production combines vocal performances, choreographed dance, dramatic interpretation, period-inspired costumes, multimedia elements, and audience engagement, featuring a multigenerational community cast.

City Repertory Theatre, Inc.: City Repertory Theatre will support its 16th season of theater, featuring a variety of productions spanning Broadway musicals, classic American literature, and contemporary drama. The season includes Company by Stephen Sondheim, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, A Christmas Carol, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, Loving, How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel, and The Apple Tree.

Community Chorus of Palm Coast, Inc.: The Community Chorus of Palm Coast will present its 2026-27 concert season, featuring its annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 4 and 6, 2026, and its Spring Concert on April 16 and 18, 2027. The concerts showcase the talents of volunteer singers and offer musical performances designed to be accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Flagler Auditorium: The Flagler Auditorium Governing Board will support a season of live performing arts and educational programming designed to connect the community with the arts. The season includes touring performances, community and school presentations, and collaborations with arts organizations, historical and cultural institutions, and local businesses. These efforts help expand access to performing arts experiences and support arts education throughout the community.

Flagler Education Foundation: The Flagler Education Foundation will continue the Josh Crews Creative Writing Project, a district-wide literary and visual arts program serving students in grades 4-12 across Flagler County Public Schools, including the virtual academy. Through free weekly after-school clubs, students develop original fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual artwork. The program culminates in the publication of Write On!, an annual anthology of student work, and a community book launch and signing event scheduled for March 31, 2027. The event is free and open to the public.

Hispanic American Cultural Society: The Hispanic American Cultural Society will present its annual Hispanic Food & Arts Festival of Palm Coast, celebrating Hispanic heritage and traditions from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Now in its fifth year, the free public festival features live music, folkloric dance, local artists and artisans, cultural exhibits, and a variety of food vendors, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience and learn about Hispanic cultures.

Palm Coast Music Festival/Songwriter’s Festival: The Palm Coast Songwriters Festival will return for its ninth year, featuring hit songwriters sharing the stories behind their songs and performing their music. The five-day festival includes eight shows featuring more than 45 songwriters, along with a workshop for aspiring songwriters. The event also attracts visitors to Palm Coast and Flagler County, supporting local businesses and contributing to the area's cultural and economic vitality.

The Cultural Arts Grant Program reflects the City’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community, supporting cultural organizations, and expanding opportunities for people of all ages to participate in meaningful artistic and cultural experiences.

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