Haywood County Arts Council Announces Helene Support Grant for Artist Members Affected by the Storm
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) is pleased to announce the launch of the HCAC Helene Support Grant, designed to provide financial assistance to HCAC artist members who have been significantly impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The grant funding ranges from $300 to $1,500.
“We are deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by our community,” said Tonya Harwood, Executive Director of HCAC. “After the cancellation of our Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival, we asked ticket holders if they wanted a refund or if they would prefer to donate to our Helene Relief Fund. We were overwhelmed when more than half of them chose to donate. Additionally, we have received private donations to support our artist members, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this outpouring of support.”
The Helene Support Grant is intended for individual artists, providing critical relief as they recover from the storm’s impact on their lives and livelihoods. Eligible artists must be active members of the HCAC as of September 2024, and must be working in one of the following artistic fields: craft, literary, media, performing, visual, or interdisciplinary arts.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be an HCAC artist member as of Sept 2024 and be 18 years of age
- Available to artists and creatives who have experienced loss due to Hurricane Helene, including loss of a studio, home, supplies, or income.
- Applicants must have been affected by Hurricane Helene.
- This grant is intended for individual artists; nonprofits are not eligible for this opportunity.
The HCAC is committed to supporting local artists who contribute so much to the cultural fabric of our mountain community. With these funds, artists can begin to recover and rebuild after the storm’s devastation.
Application Review for HCAC Helene Support Grant
Applications for the HCAC Helene Support Grant are reviewed on a rolling basis, dependent on fund availability and approval. Grant approval is not guaranteed for any applicant. During the review process, we will confirm that each applicant:
- Is an HCAC artist member as of September 28, 2024,
- Maintains a valid artistic practice,
- Has experienced impact from Hurricane Helene.
The time needed for grant notification will depend on application volume, review process, and any necessary follow-up. Because these grants aim to offer prompt relief, we are committed to processing them as swiftly as possible.
Awarded applicants will be required to sign a brief grant agreement, which outlines payment details and includes completion of a W-9 form.
Relief stipends may be used flexibly to support recovery efforts. Currently, receipts and reporting are not mandatory. HCAC Helene Support Grants are considered non-taxable gifts, and the IRS does not require us to issue a Form 1099. We recommend that recipients consult an accountant for guidance on tax compliance.
The HCAC Gallery is Volunteer-run, PLEASE DO NOT call. Questions will be addressed via email.
Support the Helene Relief Fund
Those interested in helping HCAC provide relief to local artists affected by Hurricane Helene can donate directly to the Helene Relief Fund here: https://givebutter.com/jV0xzR.
2024-2025 Region 17 Artist Support Grant is NOW CLOSED
2024 – 2025 Timeline:
- July 22- Application opens
- September 3- Application deadline
- November – Awards Announced
- Late November – Funds distributed
- June 30, 2025 – All funds must be expended
- December 31, 2025 – Final reports due
The HCAC Gallery is Volunteer-run, PLEASE DO NOT call. Questions will be addressed via email.
2024-2025 Grassroot Subgrant is NOW CLOSED
2024 – 2025 Timeline:
- September 1st: Application opens
- October 21st: Application deadline
- Late October/Early November: Awards Announced
- Early November: Funds distributed
- July 1, 2025: Final report due
The HCAC Gallery is Volunteer-run, PLEASE DO NOT call. Questions will be addressed via email.
Past Grassroot Grants Awardees and Their Activities
Arc of Haywood County: Provides funds for various art projects to all of our clients with IDD.
Downtown Waynesville Commission:
- Project One: Supports Eastern Band of Cherokee participation in the Haywood Heritage Weekend which is aimed at defining the various aspects of Haywood County’s rich Appalachian culture and showcasing the institutions that preserve and enrich this heritage.
- Project Two: Provides payment for an artist to create a mural for an alleyway connecting Main Street and Wall Street. The current design concept includes a variety of vintage photographs of Historic Waynesville and Main Street, displayed against a backdrop of mountains.
First United Methodist Church: Arts for Afterschool creates opportunities for students to engage in art and community with caring adults. Grant funding pays for necessary materials and compensate local artists to teach lessons during regularly scheduled, already established, well attended after school programming.
Folkmoot: Folkmoot LIVE! is a performance series featuring the finest musicians, dancers and storytellers working today! The 2024 season will spotlight different regions of the globe each month with an Asian inspired performance in February and a Latin American inspired performance in May. “With the support of the HCAC Grassroots Grant, Folkmoot USA is able to present An Evening of Eastern Culture featuring “Asian Soundscapes” created by Min Xiao-Fen. Prepare yourself for extraordinary performances by Min Xiao-Fen on the Chinese pipa, Mari Ohta on the Japanese koto, Thom Nguyen on the drums and the Gamelan Ensemble of Warren Wilson College on Thursday, February 22.”
HART: Funds will cover theatrical rights for a five-show lineup in HART’s studio series, enabling local artists to share personal stories, perform dream roles, and gain directing experience. “We are so excited to have been awarded part of the Round 2 Grassroots Grant, supercharging our Winter Studio Season! This program thrives on community-driven passion projects, and the grant means we can turn more dreams into reality. It’s a game-changer, taking off the financial load and letting creativity shine in our theatre community.” – Candice Dickinson, Artistic Director, HART Theatre
Haywood Choral Society: Provides operational support for a singing opportunity for members of the local community that leads to two public concerts between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
Haywood Community Band: Funds will be used to pay a conductor and assistant conductor for the 2024 season. Conductors are responsible for choosing the music and preparing the band for performances. The season includes a minimum of six performances and a full schedule of weekly rehearsals. “Stephen Razo and his assistant, Jenna Misch, will share the podium beginning in May at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. Mr. Razo is an experienced conductor of both military and community bands. He appeared with HCB in 2022 to conduct the premier of his published work, On the Blue Ridge.” – Mary K. Thomas, HCB Outreach Chairman
Haywood Community College Foundation: HCC will celebrate their 60th anniversary by commissioning local artists to display their work on campus. This activity will tie in with their world renowned Professional Crafts program and add another layer to inviting the community onto their beautiful campus to experience quality art. “The Haywood Community College Foundation is excited to celebrate our 60th Anniversary in 2025 by creating a new art trail showcasing local artists. HCC is an anchor for our community and should be enjoyed by all. This gives visitors another reason to come on campus.” – Hylah Birenbaum Executive Director of College Advancement
Voices of the Laurel: In the spring of 2024 Voices in the Laurel will provide adults and children in the Voices program with high-quality multi-cultural musical experiences, including regional guest instructors and local professional musicians to enhance the program.
