Grant allotments:

Grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the amount of money each consortium raises, the number of applicants, the number of artists selected, and the types of projects funded.

If you submit requests seeking more than $2,000, make it clear how you intend to pay for the project beyond what the grant covers. We need to know that the project is viable and able to be completed.

Grant requests are sometimes partially funded depending on the requests.

Who Qualifies?

The artist support grant is intended to support working artists. We do not recommend applying if you are a beginner or hobby artist unless you want to transition into the career and have a strong body of work to support that endeavor. Professors may only apply if it supports their career as an artist, not to support work for their university or classes they teach. 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.

Residency Requirements:

Artists should have lived continuously in the region in which they are applying (Watauga, Wilkes, Alleghany, Ashe) for at least one year prior to the consortium’s application deadline. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. The consortium may require proof of residence and status. Artists who live in more than one region should apply only where they spend most of the year. 

Individuals & Artist Collectives:

Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply. 

Make Reasonable Requests!

A jury of peers familiar with your medium will review applications. If selecting supplies or equipment, be prepared to justify why you need the items you seek. Some artists make the mistake of listing equipment that is advanced far beyond their level of expertise or need, which can turn away panelists.