Regional Artist Project Grants

Andrea Lawson
Music, Dance and Community Engagement Director
andrea.lawson@ncdcr.gov
(919) 807-6511

Jeff Pettus
Senior Program Director for Artists and Organizations
jeff.pettus@ncdcr.gov
(919) 807-6513

David Potorti
Literature and Theater Director
david.potorti@ncdcr.gov
(919) 807-6512

Description

This program funds regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. These grants support professional artists in any discipline and at any stage in their careers to pursue projects that further their artistic development. Types of fundable projects include:

  • Creation of a new work
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Professional development workshops
  • Travel support for expenses associated with a professional opportunity such as participating in an exhibition or a conference
  • Development or upgrading of promotional materials such as brochures, DVDs, CDs, and websites

Grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the amount of money each consortium raises, the number of applicants, the number of artists selected and the types of projects funded. Participating consortia raise matching funds for their programs, set specific regional guidelines in accordance with Arts Council guidelines, appoint a selection committee consisting of arts professionals with expertise in disciplines under review, facilitate the selection process and administer the awards process. An Arts Council staff member is assigned to advise each regional consortium on process issues and attend selection panel meetings. Consortia are required to inform the Arts Council well in advance of application deadlines and selection panel meeting dates.

Grant amounts to regional consortia are determined by weighing the history and breadth of artist demand in each region and the amount of the proposed artist match, among other factors.

Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $12,500 and must be matched dollar for dollar by the applicants. Ten percent (10%) of the grant award may be spent on administrative expenses up to $1,000. For grants under $5,000, up to $500 may be spent on administrative expenses. The remaining grant amount and at least a corresponding one-to-one cash match must be spent for awards to artists. Applicants are encouraged to request matching funds from foundations and trusts, preferably from within the region. Applicants may also seek funds from other private and public sources, including power2give.org. Up to $1,000 of Grassroots Arts funds per region may be used to match the grant.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the form electronically through North Carolina ARTS Grants Online (AGO).

Applicants will be asked to provide the following information on the application form:

  • A list of partner arts councils and their pledged contributions for the upcoming grant year
  • A list of the applicants and artists awarded funds in the last two cycles (FY12 and 13), broken down by grant amount, discipline, county and racial diversity
  • A brief description of their proposed selection process for the FY14 grant year, including how panels are composed, specific objectives for the cycle, and application and selection panel dates, if established.

Project Budget

  • Show an amount at least equal to the grant amount requested and the corresponding matching funds on the artist contracts line.
  • Include other expenses incurred by the consortium.
  • In Total Cash Income show an amount at least equal to Total Cash Expenses.

The project budget should include itemization of:

  • The amount and sources of the matching funds
  • Other relevant breakdowns of income and expenses