Opportunities for Individual Artists FAQs

Yes, Durham Arts Council and partner counties will offer grant workshops to explain the program and answer any questions you may have about completing the grant application. These sessions are free, although we would appreciate an RSVP to the appropriate contact number so we know how many people to expect. You need not attend the session in your own county. Attend the session that is most convenient for you, regardless of which county you live in. We expect each to last 60–90 minutes.

Where will the information sessions be held?

See below for 2019 dates and locations.

July 24, 2019 — 6:00 p.m. (Wednesday)
Chapel Hill Public Library
100 Library Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
kmurray@orangecountync.gov

July 25, 2019 — 6:00 p.m. (Thursday)
Chatham Arts Council
118 West Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
cheryl@chathamartscouncil.org

July 29, 2019 — 6:00 p.m. (Monday)
The Carrack
947 East Main Street
Durham. NC 27701
mdemott@durhamarts.org

August 1, 2019 — 6:00 p.m. (Thursday)
The Kirby Gallery
213 N. Main Street
Roxboro, NC 27573
kirby.theater@personcountync.gov

August 6, 2019 — 6:00 p.m. (Tuesday)
Durham Arts Council
120 Morris Street
Durham, NC 27701
mdemott@durhamarts.org

Who decides which artists receive awards?

Grant applications and support materials are reviewed by local professional artists in each art form. Their comments are then forwarded to the EAP Committee who reviews applications, recommendations and then makes the final award.

What types of projects have been funded?

The Emerging Artists Grant Committee is interested in assisting the development of an artist’s career as is appropriate to the particular artist’s needs, so be sure to define clearly the relationship of your project to your career development. In the past, grant awards have provided funds for the following types of expenses:

Promotion/Presentation: the cost of producing a demonstration CD for a composer, a DVD for a choreographer, a portfolio for a graphic artist, editorial assistance for a writer, etc.
Travel: to specific workshops, auditions, retreats or seminars; or to do research intrinsic to his/her art form.
Services: rental of equipment or facilities for presentation or creation of a new work.
Supplies: purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of a new work which is considered by the artist to be essential to her/his career.
Training: advanced workshops, master classes or coaching that will enhance the artist’s abilities. This program does not support work towards a degree.

Where do I get the application form?

You can access the form and guidelines at the top of this page under “EAP Applications” Please note that there is a different application for each art form. Select the application which is appropriate for your work. If your work uses multiple media, pick the panel whose expertise is the best fit for your project.

What is an emerging artist?

An emerging artist is an artist that has mastered the basic techniques in her/his art form and who is attempting to launch a professional career in the arts or an artist taking his/her established career in a new direction. An artist is not required to have any particular degree or type of education to qualify as an emerging artist.

What is the Emerging Artists Program?

The Emerging Artists Program (EAP) is a project grant program that provides financial support to developing or established professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. Pivotal projects may happen at different stages of a career, therefore Emerging Artists Grants are not restricted to unestablished artists. 2019–2020 Emerging Artists Grants are intended to fund a particular project that will conclude by December 31, 2020. The Emerging Artists Program begins its 36th year in 2019–2020.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be individuals, not ensembles or groups. Artists practicing any art form are eligible to apply for a grant. Applicants must have resided in Chatham, Durham, Granville, Orange, or Person Counties (North Carolina) for at least one year immediately prior to the application deadline (since September 27, 2018). Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program in their art form at the time of the application deadline. Applications for grants are available at the DAC Website, www.durhamarts.org. Recipients of 2018â€“2019 Emerging Artists Grants may not apply for a 2019–2020 grant.

What selection criteria will be used?

The criteria are:

Overall excellence of the applicant’s art work and demonstration of exceptional talent
The applicant’s serious professional commitment to her/his art form
Contribution of the proposed project to the artist’s professional development
Feasibility of the proposed project
Timeline for the proposed project should happen between January 1 and December 31, 2020.

Who funds the EAP?

The Emerging Artists Program is funded through grants from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Anika James Foundation, the Orange County Arts Commission, the Granville Education Foundation, the Person County Arts Council, the Chatham Arts Council, The Linda A. Ironside Fund for the Arts of the Triangle Community Foundation, gifts to the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund, the Ella Fountain Pratt Fund, the Ruth Carver Fund, the Wainwright Fund for New Works and by private & corporate donations.

How much money can I expect to be granted?

While no specific minimum has been established, the maximum amount an applicant can request is $1,500. Our priority is to support full funding of the requested amount.

Will I be required to provide a final report of my use of the grant?

Yes, we require both a financial and narrative report. A report form will be sent to those receiving awards. Future awards will be contingent upon the submission of a final report.