The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is pleased to announce three distinct funding, growth and residency opportunities currently open to individual artists across all artistic disciplines. Designed to support creative professionals at varying stages of their careers, these programs provide vital funding, studio space and professional development across the region.
Applicants are encouraged to review the specific guidelines, eligibility criteria and upcoming deadlines for each opportunity below:
Program Overview: Launched to foster artistic and professional development, the Creative Impact Cohort supports project-based work alongside structured, monthly peer-cohort meetings with Arts Council staff. Grants support projects that result in the completion and presentation of new work or the implementation of public workshops.
Funding Amount: Up to $3,000
Project Period: Oct. 2026 – June 30, 2027
Eligibility: Cumberland County residents (18+) across all disciplines.
Application Deadline: Aug. 17, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Application & Guidelines: Click here
Program Overview: The SEAR program provides a mid-career visual artist dedicated time, space, and funds to produce and exhibit a body of work. The selected resident will curate a gallery exhibition (April 16 – May 23, 2027), host public studio hours, and lead two public workshops as a Teaching Artist.
Residency Period: 8-month residency (Oct. 2026 – May 2027)
Benefits: $1,250/month stipend and 24-hour access to studio space at the Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville, NC.
Eligibility: Mid-career visual artists residing in Cumberland, Hoke, Sampson, Scotland or Robeson County.
Application Deadline: Sept. 1, 2026
Application & Guidelines: Click here
Artist Support Grant (ASG)
Program Overview: Administered in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and regional arts councils, the ASG program supports professional and artistic development across visual, performing, literary, music, choreography, and interdisciplinary arts. Funds may be utilized for new work development, equipment, career promotion, training workshops, and travel.
Funding Amount: Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000
Project Period: Dec. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027
Eligibility: Emerging or established individual artists and small collectives residing in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, or Scotland County for at least one continuous year. (Full-time undergraduate students are ineligible).
Application Deadline: Sept. 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.
Application & Guidelines: Click here
Michael Houck, Director of Artistic Communities at the Arts Council, believes these programs reflect the needs of the region’s creatives. “Our region is home to an incredible network of artistic talent across many different disciplines, and we're proud to help ensure that these unique voices aren't limited by access to resources,” he said in a press release. “Through our programs, which tie project ideas to professional development, the Arts Council aims to invest in artists at the moments when that support can make the biggest difference in their careers.”
For application guidance, eligibility inquiries, or general questions, please contact: Michael Houck (MichaelH@TheArtsCouncil.com)
More information on individual artist support at the Arts Council can be found at https://www.TheArtsCouncil.com/Individual.
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