Our Mission

Founded in 1967 with the democratic vision of "arts for all citizens," the North Carolina Arts Council sustains and grows the arts for the benefit of North Carolinians and their communities.

What We Do: The Arts Council A-Z

The North Carolina Arts Council delivers resources to arts organizations and artists to support projects and programs of public value that revitalize downtowns, educate and empower North Carolina youths, and fuel a thriving non-profit creative sector that generates over $2 billion annually.

N.C. Arts Council Awards Statewide Initiative Grant To N.C. Central University’s Teaching Artist Certificate Program

Established in 2017, NCCU's Teaching Artist Certificate Program offers comprehensive, online job-readiness training customized for artists whose work is learner-centered and focused on community engagement. Students learn skills such as how to design and implement arts experiences for general audiences, manage auditorium performances, engage in school residencies, and develop cultural arts programs for educational and community-based organizations. Graduates of the program have found placements in schools, arts organizations, hospitals, and social service agencies.

A Remarkable Year Of Learning: Notes From A Folklife Apprenticeship

In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, old-time fiddler Paul Brown (of Winston-Salem) and Trevor McKenzie (of Boone) received an In These Mountains Folklife Apprenticeship grant and embarked upon the age-old relationship of student and mentor under very unusual circumstances, using video calling technology to meet weekly while sheltering at home. When they were finally able to see each other in person, in the summer of 2021, they celebrated the end of their apprenticeship year with a live segment on Mt. Airy’s beloved WPAQ radio station.

In Good Spirits: The North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame Resumes Its Annual Induction Ceremony

From bluegrass to gospel, hip-hop, country, and jazz, the NCMHOF honored 10 artists. Hall of Fame inductees were the Briarhoppers, Jermaine Dupri, Donald Lawrence, Michael Mauldin, Robert Moog, Tony Rice, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Charles Whitfield. This year's Lifetime Achievement Award honorees were Tony Brown and Roberta Flack.

Discover North Carolina Arts Stories

The North Carolina Arts Council presents stories and shares news about artists, arts organizations, and arts sector trends that capture the spirit, impact, and public value of the arts on the Arts Across NC blog.