Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Carolina Arts Council?
Is the North Carolina Arts Council a government agency?
How is the Arts Council funded?
Who receives Arts Council funding?
Does the Arts Council have members?
Am I eligible for Arts Council funding?
How are grants awarded?
How can I apply for grants?
What services does the Arts Council provide in addition to grants?
How can I learn more about the Arts Council?
How can I support the arts industry in North Carolina?
Who is the Artful Traveler?
What is the North Carolina Arts Council?
The North Carolina Arts Council is a state agency in the Department of Cultural Resources. We work to make North Carolina The Creative State through the arts by building vibrant communities, creating opportunities for citizens to be more creative and productive, and ensuring that the state’s culture remains strong and vital.
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Is the North Carolina Arts Council a government agency?
The Arts Council is an agency of the state of North Carolina. We receive an annual appropriation from the state Legislature and are governed by a board, appointed by the governor.
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How is the Arts Council funded?
The N.C. Arts Council receives an annual appropriation from the state Legislature and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on our funding see our fact sheet.
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Who receives Arts Council funding?
The Arts Council supports North Carolina artists, organizations, schools and communities through grants for organizations, for artists and internship programs.
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Does the Arts Council have members?
The North Carolina Arts Council is not a membership organization like many local arts councils in communities throughout the state. These local arts councils are also not members of the N.C. Arts Council. Instead of members, we have partnerships with organizations to deliver Grassroots Arts Program per capita funds, support local arts programs and provide opportunities for citizens to experience the arts.
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Am I eligible for Arts Council funding?
The Arts Council provides funding to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code that have been producing quality arts programs for at least two consecutive years. In some program areas, funding is available to schools, libraries or community groups. For specific eligibility requirements, please refer to the general funding policy page or contact a specific program director.
Artists and individuals may receive funding through some program areas as well.
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How are grants awarded?
In all program areas, North Carolina Arts Council funding recommendations are determined by a grant review panel comprised of national and state experts who vary according to discipline and program area. Arts Council awards become a “blue ribbon stamp of approval” to leverage additional funds from foundations, businesses and local governments, generating almost $16 in matching funds for every $1 invested.
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How can I apply for grants?
Check the eligibility requirements and deadline information (typically the first Monday in March for organizations and the first Monday in November for artist). Not all funding categories are offered every year.
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What services does the Arts Council provide in addition to grants?
The Arts Council works directly with artists and arts organizations in all disciplines to encourage high quality artistic programs. We advance life-long learning experiences through arts in education for pre-K–12, adult learning, accessibility for people with disabilities, and audience development. We also administer the A+ Schools program, a nationally recognized whole school reform model that views the arts as fundamental to teaching and learning in all subjects.
The Arts Council develops cultural tourism in North Carolina and helps communities integrate arts and living traditions into local and regional planning efforts statewide. Support is available to design and implement initiatives that showcase local arts and cultural resources, strengthen community identity and build sustainable place-based economic development.
The Arts Council provides one-on-one assistance and Web resources to assist local arts councils, cultural organizations, artists, educators and others. Click here for highlights of our programs.
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How can I learn more about the Arts Council?
Visit the About Us section for a complete staff list. Media inquiries should be directed to Rebecca Moore, Senior Program Director for Marketing at (919) 807-6530.
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How can I support the arts industry in North Carolina?
Participate in the arts in your local community! Contact your local arts council to join and volunteer. Click here to find arts groups in your area.
To become an arts advocate, visit http://artsnc.org/.
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Who Is the Artful Traveler?
Literature Director and Arts Editor David Potorti explores North Carolina to find unique arts and cultural experiences. Each season, he pulls together trip suggestions geared toward the arts-minded traveler. You can become an artful traveler by visiting one of our arts/culture websites at www.ncculturaltrails.org.
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