The Innovative Artist Project Grant, offered by Arts Culture Catawba, provides funding for creative and innovative arts projects that benefit the residents of Catawba County, North Carolina. This grant is supported through funds raised at the annual Jingle Bell Bash silent auction, matched by Arts Culture Catawba’s operating budget. The grant aims to foster exposure for the county through artistic endeavors and prioritize new projects or experiences in the area.

Grants are open to artists of any discipline and arts organizations, though priority is given to individual artists and Catawba County residents. Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026, although extensions through June 30, 2026, may be approved under special circumstances. Grant requests may not exceed $4,000, and all funds must be requested by June 15, 2026. Recipients must recognize Arts Culture Catawba in all project-related publicity and materials.

Eligible applicants include artists and organizations proposing projects that deliver direct benefits to Catawba County residents. Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project is innovative and contributes to the cultural landscape of the area. Preference will be given to projects offering unique artistic experiences or expanding on previous initiatives. Recipients are required to submit a final report upon project completion.

Applications must be submitted online through the Arts Culture Catawba website by 5:00 PM on March 20, 2025. Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission. Those selected to move forward will present their proposals to a grant panel on April 9, 2025, with times assigned after the application period closes.

Technical guidance for online submissions includes creating an account to save and manage applications, uploading required documents, and completing narrative sections in a separate document to avoid data loss. Applicants with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Arts Culture Catawba at grants@artscatawba.org. This grant provides an opportunity to innovate and elevate the arts within the community, with a focus on projects that generate local engagement and impact.