The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is pleased to announce the distribution of $17,420 in funding during the first quarter Mini Grant cycle. This grant program is designed to build capacity for Cumberland County artists by supporting one-time arts events with a focus on growing the local arts economy, engaging new or innovative programming and providing support to diverse artistic mediums.

"These nine talented artists represent the diverse creativity thriving in our area, from music and literature to photography and cultural engagement,” expressed Michael Curtis Houck, the Arts Council’s Director of Grants and Allocations, in a press release. “By investing in these projects, we're not just funding art—we're investing in the cultural fabric of Fayetteville. Each of these initiatives promises to enrich our community, bringing new experiences and perspectives to residents and visitors alike.”

The Arts Council awarded Mini Grants to the following individual artists:

• Ayana Washington will produce and perform in “The Blueprint,” a concert featuring black female performers. Funds will support artist contracts and venue rental.
• Bernie Mangiboyat will lead his band, FEAR STATE, to write and record 3 new songs with a listening party at The White Rabbit in October, 2024. Funds will support production supplies and marketing.
• Diamond Whitted-Wooten will photograph local downtown Fayetteville businesses, culminating in an exhibition in January 2025. Funds will support contracted artists, marketing, and production supplies.
• Gail Morfesis will lead and perform in a recital of French and American classical music to welcome guests from Fayetteville’s Sister City, St Avold. Funds will support artist contracts and production supplies.
• Jonathan Kiebon will perform in the Fayetteville Songwriter Festival, a day-long festival that supports local songwriters. Funds will support artist contracts and marketing.
• Keith Sowell will publish “The Mosaic,” a book of poetry with a public launch event in March 2025. Funds will support artist contracts, marketing, and production supplies.
• Latisha Harden will perform a new single, “Ain’t No Way,” with a digital music video release in Fall 2024. Funds will support production supplies, artist contracts, and contracted services.
• LeJuane Bowens will release “El’J Dilla,” a book of poetry inspired by J Dilla with a public launch event in February 2025. Funds will support artist contracts, production supplies, and marketing.
• Tamiko Singleton will lead workshops and planning for the Fayetteville Natural Hair Expo, a cultural experience that celebrates African American natural hair through education and exhibits. Funds will support venue rental.

The next Mini Grant cycle is currently open with applications due on November 1st. For more information about the Arts Council grants programs, visit theartscouncil.com/grants or email Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations, at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.

For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

Grants, programs, and services of the Arts Council are funded, in part, by contributions from community partners and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. ncarts.org