Applications now being accepted for Artist Support Grants

Artists are now eligible to apply for Artist Support Grants through a partnership between the North Carolina Arts Council, Pocosin Arts, Beaufort County Arts Council, Dare Arts, Ocracoke Alive, Pettigrew Regional Libraries, and Martin County Arts Council.

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

These grants are intended to support a broad range of disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and interdisciplinary arts. Grants will range in awards from $500 to $1,000.

Emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply for a grant for a variety of professional and artistic development including the creation of work, improvement of business operations, purchase of equipment and/or materials, professional development workshops, travel support associated with a professional opportunity, and development of promotional materials.

Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands will be leading free Artist Support Grant application help sessions on Zoom on Wednesday, September 24 at 5:00pm and Thursday, September 25 at 11:00am. Artists who would like to participate can sign up online at DareArts.org/asg.

The online grant application is available at DareArts.org/asg. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Kill Devil Hills artist Emily Holmes was awarded an Artist Support Grant last year to assist with the purchase of a glass fusing kiln, which has enabled her to add painted glass elements into mixed-media pieces.

“The Artist Support Grant allowed me to purchase a kiln that is helping me explore new techniques, and maybe more importantly, it provided encouragement and support for my creative work,” said artist Emily Holmes. “Receiving the grant motivated me to dedicate more time and energy to focusing on and expanding my creative practice as a mixed media artist. I’m deeply grateful for the assistance, and for programs like this that invest in local artists.”

Artist Support Grants will be distributed to eligible applicants in the following counties: Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington.

This is the sixth year that Artist Support Grants will be distributed to North Carolina creatives.

Applicants with specific questions can contact Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands at DareArtsInfo@gmail.com or 252 473 5558.

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.