The Artist Support Grant is a regional grant program designed to assist individual artists at various stages of their careers in North Carolina. This initiative is administered by Arts Culture Catawba in collaboration with several local arts councils and the North Carolina Arts Council. The grant aims to support professional and artistic development, enabling artists to enhance their skills, improve their business operations, and reach new audiences. The funding available ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with awards specifically intended for projects occurring between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

The primary purpose of the Artist Support Grant is to foster the growth of artists by providing financial resources that can be utilized for artistic development and project execution. The program encourages applications from artists working in various disciplines, including visual arts, crafts, performing arts, traditional arts, and interdisciplinary forms. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to their artistic practice and to spend a significant amount of time dedicated to their work.

Funding from the grant can be used for a variety of purposes related to the professional development of artists. This includes enhancing artistic skills, improving business operations, and expanding outreach efforts to new audiences. The grant is open to both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists, provided they meet the residency and eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the Artist Support Grant, applicants must have resided in one of the specified counties—Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, or McDowell—for at least one year prior to the application deadline. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. All members of a collaborating team must also be residents of North Carolina and meet the same eligibility requirements.

The evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the overall excellence of the applicant's artwork as demonstrated through work samples, the feasibility of the proposed project, and the potential contribution of the project to the applicant's professional artistic development. These criteria ensure that the grants are awarded to projects that are not only creative but also practical and beneficial for the artist's growth.

The application process requires artists to submit their proposals by the deadline of September 30, 2024. Interested applicants should prepare to provide detailed information about their projects and artistic backgrounds. For further inquiries or assistance, applicants can contact the grant administration office via email or phone.

Overall, the Artist Support Grant represents a valuable opportunity for artists in North Carolina to secure funding for their creative endeavors, fostering a vibrant arts community in the region.