Creative Spaces Grants
The Durham Arts Council’s Creative Spaces Grants expand access to our facilities through three distinct opportunities designed to support artists and arts organizations at every stage of their work. Creative Hours provide short-term, flexible space for rehearsals, meetings, and closed creative use. Creative Residencies offer sustained, annual facility support for nonprofit arts organizations with ongoing space needs. Creative Showcases support public-facing performances, presentations, and pop-up exhibits that invite the community to experience and engage with the arts. Together, these grants ensure DAC’s spaces remain accessible, vibrant, and responsive to the creative life of Durham.
Creative Spaces Grant Opportunities
Creative Hours Grant (Pilot Program)
Short-term access to DAC spaces for closed projects such as rehearsals, planning sessions, meetings, and private work time. During the pilot period this will allow short-term access of 20 hours.
Deadline
The Creative Hours Grant program is undergoing development. We expect to reopen applications in late Fall 2026.
Creative Residency Grant (Pilot Program)
Annual grants (more than 60hrs.) to provide space for organization operations including meeting space and rehearsals. Open to nonprofit arts organizations based in Durham.
FY26-27 Round 2
For use of space between January 1 – June 30, 2027
Application open August 15 – October 15, 2026
How to Apply
Read the Grant Guidelines
Creative Showcase Grant
Grants that provide space for public events like performances, presentations, or pop-up exhibits, including use of the Net Friends Theater. Open to individual artists or nonprofit arts organizations based in Durham.
Deadline
Seasonal deadlines as follows. Applicants are welcome to apply for dates farther in advance than the listed activity periods, but applications will only be accepted on the following cycles. Applications for dates earlier than the listed activity periods will not be considered; however, interested parties may be able to go through our standard Facilities Rental process.
For activities taking place July 1 – September 30, 2027 or later: Applications open January 22 – February 28
For activities taking place October 1 – December 31, 2027 or later: Applications open April 16 – May 31