The North Carolina Arts Council has announced $16 million in grants for fiscal year 2023-24. This includes an increase of $2.5 million in annual funding for the statewide Grassroots Arts Program, a cornerstone program which distributes funds to all 100 counties through an extensive network of local arts councils and other partners.

Avery County received $8315 for Banner Elk Elementary and $16,000 for Toe River Arts for professional development of artists in Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties. Madison County received $10,004 for its Arts Council and $3360 for Trillium Arts. Mitchell received $8300 for Penland School of Craft for art programs and administration and $22,500 for Penland Artist in Residence programs, Toe River Arts received $8000 for students learning traditional arts and $6800 for arts programs and administrative support. Mitchell also received $3000 for Janet Wiseman for a Folklife apprenticeship. Yancey received $8541 for Toe River Arts for arts programs and administrative support.

“Our state’s investments in arts and culture are critical for our communities and our economy,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “These grants will help make communities across North Carolina more attractive while enabling arts organizations to serve more people, teach more children, and be better prepared for the future.”

This year’s funding includes the final allocation of federal COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

For a complete list of FY 2023-24 grant recipients, visit NC Arts website.

About the North Carolina Arts Council
The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, builds on our state’s long-standing love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The N.C. Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving