ARTIST SUPPORT GRANTS
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Preregister below for an Artist Project Grant Workshop via Zoom.
Grant Workshops
What are Artist Support Grants?
The N.C. Arts Council created the program to provide funding to regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to exceptional artists in our region. The grants support professional artists in any discipline and at any stage in their careers to pursue projects that further their artistic and professional development.
Who May Apply?
Artists in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, and Bladen counties are encouraged to apply for up to $1000 for projects which will take place from October 1, 2026 – December 2027.
Scope and Allowable Expenses
Types of fundable projects include:
- Creation of new work
- Purchase of equipment and materials
- Professional development workshops
- Travel support for expenses associated with a professional opportunity such as participating in an exhibition or conference,
- Development or upgrading of promotional materials such as brochures, websites,
- 50% artist fees are allowable expenses
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals and Artist Collectives — Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply.
Residency — Artists should have lived continuously in the region for at least one year before the application deadline of September 15, 2026. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien.
Multiple Awards — Artists who have received funding in or since FY2023–2024 are ineligible to apply.
Student Status — The Artist Support Grant is intended for adult, nonstudent artists. Artists enrolled full-time in undergraduate or associate degree-granting programs may not apply for the grant.
Submissions
Complete applications must be submitted online to grants@artswilmington.org with the subject line ASG 2026-2027 or postmarked and mailed to 221 N. Front St., Suite 101, Wilmington, NC 28401 by September 15, 2026. Applications submitted to any other email address will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
- Overall excellence of the applicant’s artwork as demonstrated by work samples
- Feasibility of the proposed project
- Contribution of the proposed project to the artist’s development
Review Process
All completed Artist Support Grant applications will be judged by a multi-county panel of established artists, arts administrators, and arts educators who review and evaluate the applications and allocate funds for selected projects.
Information and Assistance
The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC administers the grant in Region 6. For more information, contact Rhonda Bellamy at grants@artswilmington.org or by calling 910-343-0998.