Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply for the 2026-2027 Artist Support Grant from July 21 to August 17. This year’s grantees will be awarded $500 - $1,500 in categories including visual arts, literary arts, music, film, choreography, interdisciplinary arts, and more. This regional grant is open to residents of Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties working as individuals or in small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists.
Artists at any stage of their career, whether early or established, may use funds to create new work, improve business operations, and reach new audiences. Past awardees have purchased equipment and materials, attended professional development workshops and training, covered costs of travel to conferences and exhibitions, and developed promotional materials.
The Artist Support Grant was created by the N.C. Arts Council in 2020 as a way to bolster artists hit hard by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has drawn hundreds of applicants and supported a wide range of artists across the state. Grant cycles are managed by 19 groups of arts councils working regionally. In Region 17, ArtsAVL partners with the Haywood County Arts Council, the Arts Council of Henderson County, the Transylvania Community Arts Council, and the Tryon Fine Arts Center.
Proposals will be judged based on artistic merit and project feasibility. Awards are estimated to be announced in November. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2027.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HCAC. ALL INQUIRIES ARE TO BE DIRECTED TO:
Rebecca Lynch, rebecca@artsavl.org
Development & Grants Director, ArtsAVL
Apply for the Artist Support Grant by 11:59 p.m. on August 17. See other grant opportunities artsavl.org/grants.
2026–2027 Grassroots Arts Program Grants
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) Grants on August 3, 2026. Eligible nonprofit organizations in Haywood County that provide arts programming are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026. Please note that these grants are available to organizations only and are not open to individual artists.
Established by the North Carolina Arts Council in 1977, the Grassroots Arts Program provides funding to strengthen local arts efforts and expand access to the arts across the state. In Haywood County, the program is administered by the Haywood County Arts Council through funding from the North Carolina Arts Council. The Grassroots Arts Program helps nonprofit organizations provide meaningful arts experiences that enrich the quality of life in Haywood County. Individual grant awards typically range from $500 to $5,000.
"The Grassroots Arts Program is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the organizations that bring arts experiences to Haywood County," said Tonya Harwood, Executive Director of the Haywood County Arts Council. "These grants help nonprofits offer concerts, performances, exhibitions, classes, and other creative programs that bring our community together, inspire creativity, and make the arts accessible to people of all ages."
Grant funds may be used to support a variety of arts-related activities and organizational needs. Eligible expenses include artist and performer fees, exhibitions, concerts, marketing and promotional materials, equipment rentals, and other program costs. Funding may also assist with general operating expenses such as rent, utilities, staff salaries, office supplies, insurance, and modest capital improvements.
In 2025, HCAC awarded $21,645 in Grassroots funding to 10 Haywood County nonprofit organizations providing arts programming throughout the community.
Grant recipients are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match equal to the amount awarded. Documentation of matching funds must be included in the organization's final grant report.
Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel based on the following criteria:
Artistic quality of the proposed project or program
Community impact and public benefit
Project feasibility
Organizational stability and fiscal responsibility
Applications open August 3 and must be submitted by August 31, 2026. Award notifications will be made in late September, with grant funds distributed in October. Funded activities must be completed by June 30, 2027.
2025-2026 Grassroot Arts Program Grant Recipients
2024 - 2025 Grassroot Grant Awardees and Their Activities
Over $21,000 in funding was subgranted to these organizations in Haywood County:
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HCC will use its grant to add a new metalwork sculpture to the college’s art walk in celebration of its 60th anniversary.“Having art on campus brings our community together in such a meaningful way,” said Hylah Birenbaum, Executive Director of the HCC Foundation. “It celebrates creativity, connection, and the talented artists who call this region home, while also highlighting the professional crafts programs we’re proud to teach here at the college.”
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Awarded funds to help keep tuition affordable for Academy at HART programming, including theater, dance, and music classes.
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Grant supports the HVO Drama Club’s December play, providing drama opportunities for adults with disabilities.
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Funding supports their Arts in Afterschool program, enriching youth education through the arts.
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Received funds for operational support, including marketing, music purchases, and rehearsal space rental.
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Awarded a grant to help purchase a portable stage for live music and dance events downtown.
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Funding provides tenant-led art classes for low-income and disabled senior residents of the Towers.
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Grant will help cover costs for professional musicians to accompany the group during public performances.
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Funding supports a special anniversary concert, Coming Home, reuniting alumni and current singers in celebration of the group’s 30th anniversary.
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Awarded funds for their Creative Express Workshops, which
provide free arts programming, exhibits, and events for all—especially underserved and
disadvantaged groups.