Creative Growth in Walton and Okaloosa Counties Fueled by Local Grants and Music Programs
Arts education is thriving across Walton and Okaloosa Counties thanks to two local organizations working to nurture the next generation of creatives. From classroom mini-grants to full orchestral training, both the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and Sinfonia Gulf Coast are making a lasting impact on students, educators, and young artists throughout the region.
CAA Awards $30,000+ in Arts Grants for Walton County Students
The Cultural Arts Alliance recently awarded more than $30,000 in Art For All grants, supporting arts education projects that will reach over 900 K–12 students. Sixteen teacher mini-grants were awarded across 11 Walton County schools, funding projects that enhance visual, literary, and performing arts in both traditional and homeschool settings. Grants support materials, guest artist visits, field trips, and other enrichment activities.
Additional awards included a college scholarship to Avery Joyner of DeFuniak Springs, a professional development grant to local artist Lexi Holt, and funding for youth programming through Emerald Coast Theatre Company and Longleaf Writers Conference.
“These grants reflect the heart of our mission: supporting the creative development of our community,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele. “When we invest in arts education, we invest in a future that values imagination, empathy, and innovation. We’re proud to help empower educators, students, and local creatives to shape a vibrant, art-rich Walton County.”
The next Art For All grant deadline is November 15, 2025. Applications are open to teachers, students, artists, and nonprofits. Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com for details.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Opens Registration for 2025–2026 Youth Programs
Sinfonia Gulf Coast has announced open registration for its 2025–2026 youth music education programs, offering beginner to advanced student musicians the chance to train and perform with the only professional orchestra in the region.
Programs include the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) with advanced, intermediate, and beginner-level ensembles, as well as an After School Beginning Strings program expanding to new schools this fall. The ensembles welcome strings, winds, brass, percussion, and piano accompanists.
Since its launch in 2007, Sinfonia’s education efforts have reached more than 220,000 local children. The organization offers unique performance opportunities, mentorship from professional musicians, Bright Futures volunteer hours, free concert tickets, and scholarship eligibility for senior members.
“We believe our youth orchestra programs foster a strong sense of community, allowing members to connect with like-minded fellow musicians in a safe, collaborative, and welcoming environment,” says Sinfonia Youth Orchestra director Margaret Gordon. “It is our goal to achieve high level performances while making sure every student is assisted in reaching their full potential as musicians.”
Gordon adds, “It is an honor to be able to offer beginning strings instruction to students of Okaloosa and Walton Counties through our after-school programs. I am incredibly excited to welcome a potential 160 new students in our programs this year.”
For more information or to register, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or contact Margaret Gordon at mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Arts & Music Opportunities – Key Dates
Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA)
- Next Grant Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Eligible Applicants: Teachers, students, artists, nonprofits
- More Info: CulturalArtsAlliance.com | (850) 622-5970
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Programs
- 2025–2026 Registration: Open now
- Program Start: Fall 2025 (rehearsals on Sundays)
- Scholarship Opportunities: Grace Fulcher Memorial (SYO seniors)
- More Info: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org | mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org
