North Carolina Working Artists

The Watauga Arts Council administers the Artist Support Grant program to provide direct funding to working artists in order to advance their careers through new projects, professional development, equipment purchases, and promotional activities. This program is designed to strengthen the careers of individual artists by enabling them to pursue opportunities they could not otherwise afford. The program reflects the council’s broader mission of supporting the arts community in the High Country and surrounding regions. The Artist Support Grant covers a wide range of eligible expenses. Artists may apply for funding to create new works, purchase necessary equipment, attend workshops and professional development opportunities, or cover travel costs for exhibitions and conferences. Promotional and marketing materials, such as websites, CDs, DVDs, and brochures, may also be funded. However, applicants are expected to make reasonable requests and to clearly justify their needs. Applications that request funds for equipment beyond an artist’s skill level or needs may be disfavored by reviewers. In cases where the requested funding exceeds the maximum grant amount, applicants must demonstrate how they will cover additional expenses to ensure the project’s viability. Grant amounts typically range between $500 and $2,500, with the exact distribution depending on available funds, the number of applicants, and the quality of proposed projects. Requests may be partially funded if deemed appropriate by the selection panel. Applications are reviewed by a jury of peer artists who are familiar with the applicants’ artistic mediums. The panel evaluates proposals based on artistic merit, feasibility, and the extent to which the project advances the applicant’s career. Professors may apply only if the proposed project is tied to their individual career as an artist and not related to their teaching responsibilities. Applicants must carefully follow the submission process. The application deadline for the 2025–2026 cycle is September 8, 2025, at 11:00 PM EST, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. Artists who receive funding must wait one year before reapplying. All applicants are required to complete the grant application form, budget worksheet, and final report if awarded. A W-9 form is also necessary for funded applicants. Support resources are provided by local arts councils, and training sessions are occasionally offered to help applicants strengthen their proposals. The program has a history of supporting a wide variety of artists and projects. For example, in the 2022–2023 cycle, the Watauga Arts Council received over 40 applications requesting a combined $70,000 in funding. Ultimately, 18 artists received awards totaling $15,500, supporting work in diverse mediums and artistic practices. Each application is reviewed by impartial panels consisting of artists from across four counties, representing multiple disciplines to ensure fair and informed decision-making. Contact information for the Watauga Arts Council is available for applicants seeking support. The council can be reached by phone at (828) 264-1789 or via email at info@watauga-arts.org. The office is located at 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina 28607. Interested artists are encouraged to review all materials carefully, prepare clear justifications for their requests, and take advantage of training and community resources provided by the council.

Applicants are advised to make reasonable requests and justify equipment or supply needs. Panelists may disfavor requests for tools beyond an artist’s current skill level or need.