Artist Support Grant

The Artist Support Grant is a competitive funding opportunity provided through the N.C. Arts Council and administered by a regional consortium of local arts councils. This program is aimed at supporting professional artists at any stage in their careers by funding projects that promote their artistic and professional development. Applicants residing in Wilkes County, North Carolina, are eligible to apply, and the program is specifically localized, with Wilkes Art Gallery serving as the primary coordinating body for this county. The grant also partners with local arts councils in Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties. The grant awards range between $500 and $2,500 and are intended to fund a wide array of artist-focused projects. Acceptable uses of the funds include the creation of new work, acquisition of necessary equipment and materials, participation in professional development workshops, and travel associated with professional opportunities such as exhibitions or conferences. Artists may also use the funding to enhance their promotional materials, such as creating brochures, CDs, DVDs, or websites. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Wilkes County, be at least 18 years old, and must not be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program. This local residency requirement ensures that the funding supports artists within the Wilkes County region. Assistance with the application process is available upon request by contacting the Wilkes County program representative. Applicants must submit their applications by September 8th, 2025. Required submission materials include the main application, a completed budget sheet, and a checklist with samples. The application is managed through a Jotform link provided on the Wilkes Art Gallery website. There are additional regional contacts for neighboring counties, each of which has its own arts council and point of contact for local artist support. For more information or to request help with the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact Marina Baxley, Programs and Outreach Director for the Wilkes Art Gallery. She can be reached at programs@wilkesartgallery.org or by phone at 336-667-2841. Applicants are also welcome to schedule in-person consultations for assistance with their submissions.