Artist Support Grant Program

The Artist Support Grant is a regional funding initiative designed to promote the professional and artistic development of individual artists and small unincorporated groups of artists across North Carolina. Managed in Region 12 by the Arts Council of Moore County in partnership with other local arts councils and the North Carolina Arts Council, the grant provides financial assistance to both emerging and established artists across various disciplines. Artists residing in Anson, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Stanly, or Union Counties who have lived continuously in the region for at least one year are eligible to apply. The program offers grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 for projects that support the creation or presentation of new work, professional training, career promotion, and studio or equipment upgrades. Eligible uses of funds include costs associated with attending workshops, renting studio space, travel and lodging for professional development, and purchasing essential supplies or equipment. Up to 50% of the total grant amount may be allocated for artist labor. However, the grant does not cover undergraduate or graduate tuition, projects with no direct artistic benefit to the applicant, or nonprofit initiatives. The application process involves submitting a completed fillable PDF form along with a project narrative (up to 1,000 words), a detailed project budget, an artistic resume, and digital work samples that meet discipline-specific guidelines. Optional materials include an artist statement and up to two letters of recommendation. Applications must be submitted to the Arts Council of Moore County by email, mail, or hand delivery no later than 5:00 PM on October 10, 2025. Incomplete applications or those missing required attachments will not be reviewed. Applicants are evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel using three main criteria: artistic merit (50%), project merit (25%), and the potential impact on the artist’s professional development (25%). Final grant recommendations from the panel must be approved by the Arts Council’s Board of Trustees. Grant awardees will be notified after November 21, 2025, and funded projects must be completed between January 1 and December 31, 2026. All grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2026. Workshops to assist applicants are available, including a virtual session on August 26, 2025, and an in-person session on September 9, 2025, in Moore County. While attendance is not mandatory, it is encouraged for first-time applicants. Additional assistance is available through regional arts council representatives. Artists who receive funding are required to submit a final report within 30 days of project completion or by June 30, 2026, whichever comes first. Credit for the grant must be publicly acknowledged using a specified credit line referencing the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. All recipients are responsible for managing any tax obligations resulting from their award.