Semans Art Fund Grants

The Semans Art Fund Grants are provided through the Semans Art Fund, a private foundation that supports students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). These grants are intended to enrich the educational and artistic experiences of current, returning students by enabling summer study, research initiatives, special projects, and performances that creatively leverage UNCSA's institutional resources. In addition to student grants, the Fund also offers support to UNCSA Arts Deans for discretionary and project-based needs that directly benefit both students and faculty members within their respective schools. The scope of this funding is centered on enhancing the professional and artistic growth of UNCSA students, encouraging imaginative, academically enriching, and career-advancing pursuits. Grant-supported activities are not confined to any single artistic discipline but must relate to or augment the student's UNCSA curriculum. Spending must align with a completed and submitted budget, which is a required component of the application. A downloadable budget template and instructions are provided on the official grant webpage, and submissions must be completed using the student’s official uncsa.edu email address to ensure proper attachment of required documents. The application process is open until Monday, February 23, 2026. Students must submit their fully completed grant applications, including budgets, by this deadline. Following student submissions, UNCSA Deans are required to submit their rankings of applicants by March 9, 2026. The Semans Art Fund board will then review applications and rankings during their meeting scheduled for March 30, 2026. Final award decisions will be communicated to applicants on April 6, 2026. The process is strictly deadline-driven, and no late applications or rankings will be accepted under any circumstances. Eligibility for this grant is limited to current, returning students of UNCSA, thereby excluding new or incoming students. The Fund also allocates a portion of resources for discretionary uses by Arts Deans, though those allocations are not open to application by individual students. The grant’s exclusive focus on the internal UNCSA community means that only those officially enrolled and affiliated with UNCSA as students at the time of application may be considered. Grant applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the budgeting process and adhere strictly to the instructions provided to avoid disqualification. Although no specific application questions are publicly listed, the structured submission and ranking process suggest a formal review based on project merit, budget alignment, and potential for impact within the student's artistic practice or education. The grant office does not specify a set award amount, and funding levels may vary depending on project scope, available budget, and the discretion of the Semans Art Fund board. For more information or assistance with the application, students may contact the Foundation Executive Director, Cindy Liberty, via email at libertyc@uncsa.edu or phone at 336-770-3333. Fax correspondence can be sent to 336-631-1229. The current grant cycle concludes with awards issued on April 6, 2026, and the program historically operates on a recurring annual basis. Future applicants should verify the next application cycle timeline in early 2027 if interested in applying again.

Applicants are advised to carefully complete the required budget using the template and instructions provided and to ensure they use their uncsa.edu email address for submission.