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Festival Park Venue Grants
Festival Park Venue Grants
Festival Park Grants are awarded once per quarter to a Cumberland County Nonprofit hosting a cultural arts event in Festival Park.
Projects must take place between , 2022 through , 2023.
GRANT GUIDELINES
ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL
Contact the Grants Department:
Michael Curtis Houck
Director of Grants and Allocations
910-323-1776 ext 1008
Sarah Busman
Arts Education Manager
910-323-1776 ext 1011
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Eligibility: Grant Guidelines
2022-23 FESTIVAL PARK VENUE GRANT CYCLE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
**meeting the eligibility requirements can apply. Eligibility does not guarantee funding will be awarded.
Download: GRANT GUIDELINES
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Eligible:
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Under FAQ, view Am I Eligible To Apply for additional details.
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Mandatory to Attend a Grant Application Workshop
Due to changes in the Grant Guidelines, ALL APPLICANTS (New or Returning) ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND a Grant Application Workshop. The workshops provide insight into the Application and Submission Process, Guidelines, Writing Samples, and Q&A.
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2022-23 FESTIVAL PARK VENUE GRANT APPLICATION WORKSHOP DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.
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Deadline to Apply
ALL applications MUST BE RECEIVED THROUGH THE ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL. No hard copy submissions will be accepted.
The full application, required documents, and materials must be received to qualify.
Complete: ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL
FAQ
2021-2022 Municipal Arts Allocations support projects that take place between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
The intent of the program is to encourage municipalities to focus on projects, activities, or events that:
1. Produce or present arts, cultural and historical projects, activities, or events.
2. Address or respond to the traditional arts and cultural diversity of the community.
3. Create economic development opportunities that support the creative economy through arts, culture, or history.
Examples of eligible projects include heritage festivals, public art projects, theater, concerts, and educational programs such as workshops, lectures, and residencies led by cultural arts professionals.
When requested, Arts Council staff will assist local officials in defining eligible cultural arts projects, activities, and/or events.
Municipal Allocations are only available to governmental municipalities outside the City of Fayetteville that are located in Cumberland County. Allocation amounts depend on the population of the municipality (see Guidelines for more information).
Municipal Arts Allocation Request Application is due AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR to the project, activity, or event start date. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER 1, 2021.
Required Documents for Request:
• Completed Application Form.
• Resumes of arts/culture/history professionals and key personnel (if applicable).
• One copy of work sample that demonstrates quality of any cultural professional’s work, if allocation funds support an artist fee (if applicable).
Changes or modifications to the scope of work of a project, activity, or event must be approved in advance by Arts Council staff.
Municipal Arts Allocations can be used for program-related fees and contracts; marketing and advertising expenses; expendable supplies and materials that are related to the project; space rental, etc. If you are unsure of the eligibility of an expense, please contact Michael Houck at michaelh@theartscouncil.com or by calling (910) 323-1776.
Artist applications are evaluated by experts and highlight strong educational material, artistic value, and economic feasibility. Selected artists must produce programs that enhance the school's educational goals and standards while also supporting the K-12 school curriculums.
Yes! Supplementary educational materials such as study guides, teacher guides, or lesson plans are encouraged.
Yes. New and returning artists must apply annually. You might consider checking the Cumberland County Curriculum (https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/domain/1966)page to see if any educational standards have been updated since your last application.
We offer Artist Residencies, Assembly Performances, Virtual/Online Engagements, and Workshops. All artistic disciplines are represented in the directory.
Yes. The Arts Council asks that artists contribute $20 to the AIS program to subsidize the cost of the directory.
After the submission deadline on Friday, April 15, 2022, applications will be reviewed for completeness and compiled for a panel review. A panel made up of experts in artistic disciplines will review the applications for educational materials, artistic value, and economic feasibility. Panel-approved applications then move on to the Arts Council Board for final approval, and then your information is published on our AIS Directory.
The number of gigs you receive through the AIS program can vary from year to year. While we can’t guarantee any particular number of visits, we do market the AIS Directory to Cumberland County School teachers, principals, and parents.
We encourage selected artists to share their marketing materials with schools as well!
For more information, contact:
Sarah Busman
Arts Education Manager
sarahb@theartscouncil.com(mailto:sarahb@theartscouncil.com)
910.323.1776
• Brentwood Elementary School
• Cliffdale Elementary School
• College Lakes Elementary
• Cumberland County High Schools AIG Program
• Cumberland International Early College High School
• Douglas Byrd High School
• Eastover Central Elementary School
• Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School
• Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary
• Fayetteville Academy
• Glendale Acres Elementary School
• Gray's Creek Elementary School
• Howard Learning Center
• J.W. Coon Elementary
• Jack Britt High School
• Kimberly Hampton Primary School
• Lake Rim Elementary School
• Lucille Saunders Elementary
• Manchester Elementary
• Margaret Willis Elementary - Methodist Kids Assoc.
• Margaret Willis Elementary School
• Mary McArthur Elementary School
• Max Abbott Middle School
• Montclair Elementary
• Ponderosa Elementary
• Seventy-first Classical Middle School
• South View High School
• St. Patrick Catholic School
• Stedman Primary
• Stoney Point Elementary School
• Sunnyside Elementary
• W.T. Brown Elementary
• Walker Spivey Elementary
Organizations meeting the eligibility requirements can apply. Eligibility does not guarantee funding will be awarded.
Grant Funding Categories:
1. Series Projects
This grant category supports projects that provide a series of opportunities for cultural programming. The project must include a schedule of three (3) distinct activities within the program.
2. Inclusive Outreach Projects
This grant category supports projects that increase diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion for underserved and underrepresented groups in Cumberland County.
3. Arts Education Projects
This grant category supports projects that increase cultural and arts-focused educational opportunities.
4. Cultural Tourism Projects
This grant category supports projects that increase cultural tourism through programs that attract visitors to Cumberland County.
5. Military Arts Projects
This grant category supports projects that engage active-duty service members, veterans, retirees, and military-families.
6. Collaborative Projects
This grant category supports Arts-, Culture-, and History-focused projects and programs led by an established, professional Cumberland County based artist with a 501(c) fiscal sponsor who acts as the presenting organization.
Workshops are optional but recommended for all applicants. The workshops provide insight into the application, guidelines, evaluation process, and provide an opportunity for Question and Answer.
If you are interested in attending a Project Support Grant workshop, please email Kashia Knight, Grants Assistant - (KashiaK@theartscouncil.com) - with your name, email, mobile telephone number, and the workshop date in which you are interested.
WORKSHOPS OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
Project Support (Returning Applicants) Information Session
Monday, January 22, 2024⋅1:00 – 2:00pm
Project Support Workshop (in-person)
Monday, January 22, 2024⋅5:30 – 6:30pm
Project Support Workshop (in-person)
Tuesday, January 30, 2024⋅5:30 – 6:30pm
Project Support Workshop (zoom)
Thursday, February 1, 2024⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE 11:59PM on FEBRUARY 29, 2024
ALL applications MUST BE RECEIVED THROUGH THE ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL. No hard copy submissions will be accepted.
The full application, required documents, and materials must be received to qualify. No additional materials will be accepted and your application cannot be edited after the deadline.
Complete: ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL (https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=acfcc)
Notification of Awards:
• By July 1 of current year.
• Completion of Contract and Required Grantee Documents (varies by organization).
• Final Report - 60 days after last project event or June 15 of award year (whichever is earlier).
Artist/Group of Unincorporated Artists
• An individual artist who resides in Cumberland County may apply for a Mini Grant. The artist must submit their resume with the application.
• A group of unincorporated artists currently residing in Cumberland County may apply for a Mini Grant. One artist should apply as the Lead Artist and submit their resume with the application. Other participating artists should be identified by name and discipline on a separate attachment submitted with the application.
• Proof of residency will be requested.
Nonprofit Organizations
• 501(c) nonprofit organizations based in Cumberland County may apply for a Mini Grant.
• The organization must not have any overdue or back taxes and can not have any pending legal action or mediation against them.
• The organization must have an up-to-date Charitable Solicitation License registered through the Office of the NC Secretary of State.
Municipal Entities
• Local municipalities and grant-funded offices within a local municipality or other County office may apply for a Mini Grant.
• Municipalities include City of Fayetteville, Town of Eastover, Town of Falcon, Town of Godwin, Town of Hope Mills, Town of Linden, Town of Spring Lake, Town of Stedman, and the Town of Wade.
• Arts, culture, and history projects, activities, or events that take place in Cumberland County are eligible for funding through Mini Grants.
• Projects, activities, or events may or may not charge an event fee for participants, but must be open to the public.
• Projects, activities, or events must take place within 6 months of the Mini Grant award.
• Virtual/online projects with artists whose primary residence is Cumberland County are eligible for Mini Grants.
• Projects, activities, or events that do not take place in Cumberland County are not eligible.
• Any applicant who is not in good standing with other Arts Council grants, such as an incomplete or missing final report, is ineligible.
• Fundraisers for NON-arts and culture nonprofits with projects, activities, or events that do not align with the Mission of the Arts Council are not eligible.
• Projects, activities, and events NOT open to the general public are not eligible for Mini Grants.
• Projects, activities, and events that overtly promote a particular religious dogma or faith.
• Projects, activities, and events that have previously been reviewed TWICE and were NOT funded are ineligible.
• Schools are generally not considered for a Mini Grant and should make a request for teaching artists through the Artists In Schools program.
• Project, activities, or events lead by a full-time student are ineligible.
• Projects, activities, or events lead by an organization who receives C.O.R.E. grant are ineligible.
• Allowable Expenses for Artists include o Requests between $500.00-$2,000.00
o Cumberland County artist fees, project supplies/materials, contracted services, space/equipment rental, etc.
o Request for use of the Arts Center gallery space
o Marketing/outreach expenses up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant award
o Applicant Artist Fees up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant award
• Restrictions for Artists include
o Requests for awards exceeding $2,000.00
o Applicant Artist fees exceeding more than 25% of the Mini Grant award
o Food and Drink expenses
• Allowable Expenses for Nonprofits and/or Municipal Entities include
o Requests between $500.00-$3,000.00
o Cumberland County artist fees, project supplies/materials, contracted services, space/equipment rental, etc.
o Request for use of the Arts Center gallery space
o Marketing/outreach expenses up to but not exceeding 25% of the Mini Grant award
• Restrictions for Nonprofits and/or Municipal Entities include
o Requests for awards exceeding $3,000.00
o Food and Drink expenses
o Requests for funds to pay administrative/overhead costs and/or special contracts to pay staff, Board, leadership, and/or sole proprietors associated with applying Nonprofit or Municipal Entity.
• Apply online.
• Upon submission of the application and supporting materials, applicants will work with Sarah Busman, Arts Education Manager, to refine and prepare the application for panel review. Sarah Busman can be reached at sarahb@theartscouncil.com or by phone at 910-323-1776 ext 1011.
• The Arts Council will offer Mini Grant application workshops throughout the year. Please watch social media and the Arts Council’s website for Mini Grant workshop dates.
• Whenever possible, The Arts Council will provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities or limited English.
• If you have any questions about the application, your proposal, or would like to request help in filling out the application, please contact Sarah Busman, Arts Education Manager, at sarahb@theartscouncil.com or by phone at 910-323-1776.
June 15, 2022 for a July 15, 2022 Project Start Date
• September 15, 2022 for an October 15, 2022 Project Start Date
• November 15, 2022 for a December 15, 2022 Project Start Date
• April 14, 2023 for an May 15, 2023 Project Start Date.
• Projects must be complete within 6 months of the Mini Grant award/Projected Start Date.
• The application consists of three primary sections: the Narrative, the Budget, and Attachments (for artists only)
• A Mini Grant application requires a budget.
• Download a sample Mini Grant Budget template HERE. Download a sample of a COMPLETED Mini Grant Budget HERE.
• All Mini Grant applications must include any relevant proposals, quotes, etc. documenting the use of Mini Grant funds.
• The Narrative is made up of a handful of questions that allow you to make the best case possible for your Mini Grant.
• These questions include:
o In a paragraph or two, please tell us about your proposed Mini Grant project, activity, or event.
o In a few sentences, please tell us when and where you Mini Grant project, activity, or event will take place.
o In a few sentences, please tell us why this project, activity, or event is important for Cumberland County and its residents.
o In a few sentences, please tell us what goals you have for this project, activity, or event. Please explain how you plan to track and measure your goals. Page 4 Rev 10/12/2022
o In a few sentences, please tell us how you plan to market this project, activity, or event. Please be as specific as possible.
• Download a sample of a COMPLETED Mini Grant Narrative HERE.
• The Grant Assessment Committee consists of Arts Council Board members with a wide variety of experience in the arts, project management, education, and finance. The Committee uses the following criteria to evaluate the strength of an Artist Mini Grant application:
o Artistic Merit – 55 points
Programming of high artistic, cultural and/or historic merit.
Utilizing local professional artists or cultural professionals.
Involvement of avocational and/or professional artists who represent previously underserved populations including BIPOC populations.
Strength of artistic resume and work samples provided by applicant.
Benefit of the proposed project to the artist’s professional growth.
o Project Merit – 45 points
Feasibility of budget.
Clearly attainable goals and outcomes.
Opportunity for professional growth in the artistic community.
Effective marketing and communications strategies for the project.
Past performance with previous Arts Council grants (where applicable).
• The Grant Assessment Committee consists of Arts Council Board members with a wide variety of experience in the arts, project management, education, and finance. The Committee uses the following criteria to evaluate the strength of a Nonprofit or Municipal Entity Mini Grant application:
o Artistic/Cultural/Historic Merit and Integrity – 50 points
A project that is new, creative, or unique to Cumberland County.
Programming of high artistic, cultural and/or historic merit.
o Artistic Excellence & Program Impact – 25 points
Utilizing local artists or cultural professionals.
Diverse participants, including persons or groups who have limited arts or cultural opportunities due to educational, geographic, cultural, physical, economic, or other constraints.
o Program Management – 25 points
Feasibility of project, including budget and potential community impact.
Clearly attainable goals and outcomes.
Effective marketing and communications strategies for the project.
Past performance with previous Arts Council grants (where applicable).
• Prior grantees of the Arts Council in good standing can qualify to receive 80% of the Mini Grant award upon execution of their contract; the final 20% will be paid upon receipt and approval of the Mini Grant Final Report.
• If an 80/20 award in unavailable, the Arts Council may choose to reimburse the grantee for expenses from the approved project budget not to exceed the maximum amount of the award Page 5 Rev 10/12/2022 granted.
• Any grant funds that are unused upon submission of the Final Report will be refunded to the Arts Council immediately. Grant funds must also be returned for the cancellation of the project, event, or activity.
• A Final Report is required for all Mini Grant projects, events, and activities. The Final Report due date is specified in the Mini Grant contract – generally 30 days after the conclusion of the project, activity, or event.
• A Final Report template will be provided to each grantee upon execution of their Mini Grant contract.
• A late or incomplete Final Report is a violation of the grant contract and may result in the loss of grant funds. A report is “late” when it is received after the “report due” date shown on the grant contract unless otherwise approved in advance by Arts Council staff.
• All Mini Grants require a Final Report and must include at least one photograph of the project, activity, or event. All grantees will give consent for the Arts Council to use Mini Grant photographs for marketing, publicity, etc..
• All Mini Grant Final Reports require documentation of how Mini Grant funds were used including cancelled checks, invoices, credit card statements, etc.
• Copies of marketing and publicity materials must be included with the Final Report.
• All Mini Grant awards are required to include the logo of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County on marketing materials.
• All Mini Grant awards over $1,000 are required to include the logos of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council on at least one piece of marketing material.
• Logos and style guideline can be accessed at: https://www.theartscouncil.com/logos.
• All project changes must be requested in writing in advance.
• No changes will take place without written approval from Arts Council grant staff.
• Requesting a project change does not guarantee approval.
• Grantees must maintain grant records for five years from the date of the submission of the Final
Report or, in the case of an audit, from the date when audit findings and recommendations are
resolved, whichever is later.
• Arts Council staff may periodically contact Mini Grant recipients over the course of their project
period to assess the status of their project.
Potential C.O.R.E. applicants must:
• Be a 501(c)(3) organization which operates within Arts-, Culture-, or History- focused
mission as evidenced in organization’s Mission Statement and annual programming and
outreach.
• Be based in Cumberland County and provide ongoing arts programs, community services, and educational opportunities for the residents of Cumberland County.
• Provide programs, community services, and educational opportunities in at least six (6) months of the calendar year and must include outreach efforts that affect underserved populations in Cumberland County.
• Have a balanced annual budget which can sustain a 1:1 cash match.
• Have an independent audit performed annually (for organizations with an annual budget higher than $250,000/year); others are required to submit 990.
• Have a governing Board that is representative of the diversity of Cumberland Countywith defined term limit
• Contracts artists and arts professionals who are qualified and paid equitably, and who reflect the demographic diversity of the Cumberland County community
• Employ at least one (1) full-time executive leader.
• Have been in continuous operation for at least five (5) year
• Have successfully managed a minimum of three (3) Project Support Grant awards within the preceding three (3) fiscal years (first time applicants on
To inquire about the application process and additional grant program guidelines, please contact Director of Grants and Allocations Michael Houck at Michaelh@theartscouncil.com (mailto:Michaelh@theartscouncil.com)or 910-323-1776.
The Artist Support Grant was created to provide direct support to individual artists in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland Counties. The initiative will fund professional and artistic development for emerging and established artists to enhance their skills and abilities to create work or to improve their business operations and capacity to bring their work to new audiences. Artists representing visual, craft, performing, traditional, and interdisciplinary art forms are encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to spending a significant portion of their time on their work as artists.
The Grant program is funded through a partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County manages the initiative on behalf of the Robeson County Arts Council, the Sampson County Arts Council, and the Scotland County Arts Council/Storytelling Center of the Southeast.
The Artist Support Grant is intended to support a broad range of talented artists in the genres of visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music composition, choreography, and interdisciplinary arts. Eligible candidates may be either emerging or established artists. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to spending a significant portion of their time on the work as artists.
• Individuals and Artist Collectives — Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply.
• Residency — Artists should have lived continuously in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and/or Scotland County for at least ONE YEAR before the application deadline. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. Applicants may be required to provide proof of residence and status. All members of a collaborating team must be North Carolina residents, live in the region in which they are applying, and meet the other eligibility requirements. Resumes documenting residence for all team members should be included with the application.
• Multiple Awards — Artists who are sole proprietors of organizations that have already received funding for FY 2023-2024 from the N.C. Arts Council are ineligible to apply. Individuals who received an Artists Support Grant in FY 2022-2023 are ineligible to apply for funding in FY 2023-2024.
• Conflict of Interest — Current board and staff members of the consortium partner organizations in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland Counties and their family members are not eligible to apply for the award.
• Student Status — The Artist Support Grant is intended for adult, nonstudent artists. Artists enrolled full-time in undergraduate or associate degree-granting programs may not apply for the grant. Artists in certificate programs are generally eligible. Artists pursuing graduate degrees in subjects other than their art form may be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria. Other questions and special circumstances should be discussed with Arts Council staff.
In project year 2023-2024, applicants may apply for up to 50 percent of the grant to pay themselves an “Artist Fee.” Grant funds will also pay for the following:
• Completion/Presentation of a New Work — Cost of resources necessary to complete or present a significant new work (e.g., purchasing art supplies or equipment (digital may qualify) or space rental)
• Career Promotion — Projects aimed at advertising artists’ work and/or demonstrating their skill level (e.g., websites, portfolios, audio-visual documentation, and online presentation)
• Training — Costs to attend a class or workshop (in-person or virtual) aimed at either enhancing the artist’s skill level or professional development (e.g., a master class or workshop taught by acknowledged authorities in the applicant artist’s medium)
• Travel — Costs of transportation, lodging, and food for training, professional conferences, or research
Some examples of ineligible project and costs are:
• Scholarships for undergraduate- or graduate-level education
• Projects that support or oppose a candidate for public office
• Projects that are exclusive to members of a religious faith group
• Projects that do not have a direct effect on the applicant’s growth as an artist (e.g., the promotion of other artists’ work)
All completed Artist Support Grant applications will be reviewed by a grants panel that consists of discipline-based artists and art educators using the criteria listed below. Incomplete applications will not be presented to the panel for review. Grant recommendations are submitted by the Review Panel to the Board of Trustees of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for approval.
Make sure your application shines! The judges are evaluating based on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated talent in an art form and overall excellence of the artist’s work.
• Clear commitment to a career as a practicing professional artist.
• Benefit of the proposed project to the artist’s professional growth.
• Feasibility of the proposed project.
Artist Support Grant funds can be used for projects from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
All applications and support material will be submitted electronically through the Arts Council’s online grants portal LOCATED HERE.(https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=acfcc)
Application Requirements:
An application without the required attachments is incomplete and may not move forward in the review process. All applications MUST be submitted through the online grants portal NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 6, 2023 END OF DAY.
A complete application will contain the following information:
Narrative (required) - Your project narrative should explain your proposed project and how it will have an impact on your career as an artist. The narrative is composed of the following questions, all of which must be answered for an application to be submitted:
• Describe your project and the proposed use of grant funds.
• Explain what this project will enable you to do that you are currently unable to do now.
• Summarize how this project will advance your career or development as an artist.
Budget (required) - Provide your Project Budget (both Expenses and Income). For your Project Expenses, please be sure to list each expense as its own line item. Be as specific as possible.
Artist Statement (required) - Attach an artist statement that describes your work and the key ideas, goals, or cultural practices that drive you to create. (One page maximum)
Artistic Resume (required) – Attach an artist resume that includes education, employment, public presentations of your work, publications, commissions, honors, grant/fellowship awards, and relevant experience. (Four pages maximum)
References (recommended) – Letters of Reference are not required but are preferred. All Letters of Reference should be on letterhead and signed with contact information for the individual completing the Reference. References should be recent and from individuals familiar with your work and/or project. References should be professional recommendations and not personal recommendations. You may provide no more than three letters.
Work Sample (required) - Applicants must provide high-quality, digital work samples (links or attachments –jpg, mp3, pdf, etc.). Samples must be of the artist’s work only. Hard copies will not be accepted. Work must be completed within the past three years. Applicants must attach an inventory list with the following descriptions for the applicable discipline:
Dance and Performing Arts: Documentation of up to three recorded performances. Videos uploaded may not exceed a total time of ten minutes.
Description: include date and location of performance, title of piece, names and roles of key people, including directors, choreographers, lead performers/actors, etc. A short summary may also be included.
Music: Documentation of up to three recorded performances, live or studio. Audio or video uploaded may not exceed a total time of ten minutes.
Description: include date and location of performance, title of piece, names, and roles of key people, including directors, choreographers, lead performers/actors, etc. A short summary may also be included.
Composers and songwriters should also submit scores, lyrics, and/or lead sheets, as appropriate.
Writing: Fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwrights may submit no more than 12 pages each of one to two manuscripts. Poets may submit five to seven poems. Playwrights may also submit documentation of a recorded performance or staged reading of their plays (videos, clip not to exceed five minutes.)
Visual Art and Craft: Up to 10 images of your work.
Description: date of completion, medium, and dimensions. Time-based work can be documented with video, up to five minutes.
Film: Documentation of one or more completed films. (Video clips not to exceed five minutes.)
Description: include date and location of performance, title of piece, names, and roles of key people, including directors, choreographers, lead performers/actors, etc. A short summary may also be included.
For video and audio samples: Submit YouTube/online links. Please provide a brief description of each work sample including the date & location of performance, title of piece, name of artist performing, name of creator/composer/choreographer/etc. Please indicate if the sample was professionally mastered.
All applicants are strongly recommended to attend an Artists Support Grant Application Workshop. The workshops provide insight into the Application and Submission Process, Guidelines, Evaluation, and Q&A.
Contact your local arts council or the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County at (910) 323-1776 ext. 1012 or KashiaK@theartscouncil.com for further information regarding information sessions or assistance with your application.
Information Session Dates Coming Soon for Fall 2023.
Artist applications are evaluated by experts and highlight strong educational material, artistic value, and economic feasibility. Selected artists must produce programs that enhance the school's educational goals and standards while also supporting the K-12 school curriculums.
Yes! Supplementary educational materials such as study guides, teacher guides, or lesson plans are encouraged.
Yes. New and returning artists must apply annually. You might consider checking the Cumberland County Curriculum (https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/domain/1966)page to see if any educational standards have been updated since your last application.
We offer Artist Residencies, Assembly Performances, Workshops, and Virtual/Online Engagements. All artistic disciplines are represented in the directory.
Yes. The Arts Council asks that artists contribute $20 to the AIS program to subsidize the cost of the directory.
After the deadline for passes, applications will be reviewed for completeness and compiled for a panel review. A panel made up of experts in artistic disciplines will review the applications for educational materials, artistic value, and economic feasibility. Panel-approved applications then move on to the Arts Council Board for final approval, and then your information is published on our Teaching Artist Directory.(https://theartscouncil.wixsite.com/theartscouncil/artists-in-schools-directory)
The number of gigs you receive through the AIS program can vary from year to year. While we can’t guarantee any particular number of visits, we do market the AIS directory to Cumberland County School teachers principals, and parents. We encourage selected artists to share their marketing materials with schools as well!
For more information, contact Sarah Busman, Arts Education Manager, at 910.323.1776 or sarahb@theartscouncil.com(mailto:sarahb@theartscouncil.com?subject=AIS%20-%20Question)
The Arts Council strives to create a welcoming environment for all applicants through equity, diversity,
accessibility, and inclusion. Arts Council staff will assist with equal access to application materials for applicants
with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and services where needed. Arts Council staff are available by
appointment to assess an applicant’s needs and provide accommodations where available.
Yes. A Letter of Intent is required. Eligible projects will then receive access to the full application.
Inclusive Outreach Support grant funds can be used for program-related fees and contracts; marketing and
advertising expenses; expendable supplies and materials that are related to the project; space rental, etc. If you
are unsure of the eligibility of an expense, please contact Michael Houck at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.
In-kind support is defined as anything provided by another entity to the project (space rental, supplies, printed
materials, volunteer time, advertising space, etc.) at NO COST to the project. Arts Council staff encourage
applicants to include this information in their application as it provides additional detail about the scope of the
project and/or demonstrates community collaboration
No. Arts Council staff expect each applicant to submit an application that relies on its own merit. Staff and
Grants Panel members DO CONSIDER past performance of previous Arts Council grantees when making
recommendations for funding.
An “on-going physical presence” is defined as an agency whose primary area of service is Cumberland
County or who functions in other communities but who maintains an office/program site that is open and
functioning in Cumberland County. The scope of service in Cumberland County must be greater than or equal to
the scope of service in any other county.
The Arts Council strives to create a welcoming environment for all applicants through equity, diversity,
accessibility, and inclusion. Arts Council staff will assist with equal access to application materials for applicants
with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and services where needed. Arts Council staff are available by
appointment to assess an applicant’s needs and provide accommodations where available.
Technical Assistance Grant funds can be used for consultant-related fees and contracts; marketing and
advertising expenses; expendable supplies and materials that are related to the areas of support, etc. If you are
unsure of the eligibility of an expense, please contact Michael Houck at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.
It awarded Technical Assistance Grant funds, the Arts Council will directly contract consultants or directly
register appropriate individuals for learning opportunities. No funds will be delivered directly to the applicant
agency.
No. Arts Council staff expect each applicant to submit an application that relies on its own merit. Staff and
Grants Panel members DO CONSIDER past performance of previous Arts Council grantees when making
recommendations for funding.
An “on-going physical presence” is defined as an agency whose primary area of service is Cumberland
County or who functions in other communities but who maintains an office/program site that is open and
functioning in Cumberland County. The scope of service in Cumberland County must be greater than or equal to
the scope of service in any other county.
Projects that address root capital needs of the organization.
Projects that directly support Board approved strategic plans.
One-time Capital Project Grants which exist outside of larger capital campaigns.
Projects should not exceed $25,000 including a 1:1 cash match; grant awards will not exceed $12,500.
Projects at organizations that do not have on-site public programming.
Capital needs to support capital campaigns.
501(c) Organizations Must:
Be based in Cumberland County and have an Arts, Culture, or History focused mission with a budget that supports such activities.
Be in good standing with prior grant contracts at ACFCC.
Maintain a governing Board that is representative of the Diversity of Cumberland County.
Capital Project Grants provide capital support by providing funds good for the acquisition of property, land, and equipment, or the improvement to them for the greater good of the organization and community.
Material/Equipment Costs
Contractor / Project Manager contracts
Other verifiable project costs
Organization Administrative Costs
Direct Programming Costs
Indirect Project Costs
Letter of Intent
Full Application (invite only based on LOI)
Narrative
Organization Mission
Describe the Project and impact on the Organization/Community.
Goals and Measures
Accessibility Plans
Budget
Three-year history, highlighting previous capital expenses
Project budget
Itemized project budget
Uploads
Budget(s)
Renderings/Elevation drawings (if available)
Board List
IRS letter and Charitable SOL
COI
Proof of property ownership/lease agreement (if applicable, for renovations)
Applications are reviewed by the Arts Council Board of Trustees
Criteria:
Project Impact (60 points)
Letter of Intent and Narrative Application detail a significant need for capital support to maintain organization’s mission to the community.
Project Impact seems feasible as evident in timeline & goals.
Cultural Merit (40 points)
Project will increase the organization’s capacity to accomplish its mission and affect the people of Cumberland County.
Project will increase access to the organization’s programs.
Letters of Intent (LOI) must be submitted through the Arts Council's grants portal no later than January 26, 2024. LOI's will include information about the artist/organization partnership, the proposed project, its impact, and the project budget.
Any Cumberland County 501(c) organization or Municipal Office can apply for a Creative Placemaking Grant.
No. Creative Placemaking proposals must establish a partnership between a 501(c) organization or Municipal Office and an artist and/or cultural professional from initial planning through execution.
The Arts Council intends to award five $10,000 Creative Placemaking Grants in early 2024. Projects will be implemented and completed by June 30, 2024.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Recipients
Fund
Partners
Grants, programs, and services of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County are funded in part by contributions from community partners, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
© 2022 The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Financial information and a copy of its license are available from the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at (888) 830-4989.
The license is not an endorsement by the State.
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