The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has announced the allocation of $72,784 in grant funding to bolster the dynamic arts community in the region. This significant investment reflects the Arts Council's dedication to promoting innovation, fostering community involvement and stimulating economic development in the region.

Continuing its commitment to advancing creative placemaking initiatives, the Arts Council launched a pilot cycle of Creative Placemaking Grants, disbursing a total of $35,000 to support projects aimed at enhancing community spaces through artistic interventions. Notably, Cool Spring Downtown District and Greater Sandhills Chamber will implement new public art installations, contributing to district beautification and fostering community engagement in the downtown areas of Spring Lake and Fayetteville.

In addition to the Creative Placemaking Grants, Mini Grants were distributed to 14 individual artists, totaling $27,794.94, and four nonprofit organizations, receiving $9,990.00 in funding. These Mini Grants play an important role in empowering local artists and nonprofit organizations to pursue their creative visions, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of Cumberland County.

Grant recipients for this quarter and their project plans include the following:

• Armed Services YMCA of Fort Liberty will host “Operation Little Learners,” a weekly crafting session for toddlers and PreK children and their families. Funds will be used for art supplies.
• Fayetteville State University’s Communication, Languages and Cultures Department will produce “Let’s Talk about Art,” a TV show where FSU Art professors interview local artists about their work. Funds will be used for artist contracts, set, and After Effects.
• First Nation Tribal Youth Development Corporation will host an American Indian Hand Drum class in July with participants learning the history of and creating their own hand drums. The class will culminate in a public showcase at Stoney Point Recreation Center. Funds will be used for art supplies.
• Office of Indian Education will host a weekly workshop led by experienced artists on medicine bags and wood burning. Funds will be used for artist contracts, art supplies, and marketing.
• LeJuane Bowens will produce and perform in the Detour Slam Team’s Send Off Showcase. Funds will be used for artist contracts. 
• Andrew Brooks will lead the Art Life Expo, a multi-disciplinary showcase. Funds will be used for artist contracts, marketing, and material costs. 
• Aaron Brown will produce and perform in “Tickle Me Thursdays,” a local comedy showcase. Funds will be used for artist contracts and marketing. 
• Sharita Holliday will lead a Youth Craft Class where students will design and create their own t-shirts. Funds will be used for workshop equipment and marketing. 
• Joshua Gow will produce and perform in the Static Lounge – Season Two, a web series focused on local musicians. Funds will be used for production materials and equipment. 
• Jonathan Kiebon will manage and perform in “Fayetteville Artists Rocking for Autism,” an awareness concert. Funds will be used for contract services for musicians and sound technicians and marketing. 
• Brian Adam Kline will produce “Local Shorts,” a filmmaker showcase to include his own work, screening at the CAMEO Theater. Funds will be used for venue costs and local filmmaker stipends. 
• Crystal McLean will lead “The Money Box Workshop,” a youth craft event focused on financial literacy mixing literature and hands-on visual arts. Funds will be used for artist contracts, workshop material, and marketing.
• Tori Pedrosa will complete a solo exhibition of kiln-fired pottery called “Mixed Race Confusion Fusion” which will represent individuals with mixed-race heritage. Funds will be used for artist production supplies. 
• Crystal Styles will produce “Muses in Mother Nature: Honoring the Devine Feminine,” a live performance art installment along the Cape Fear River Trail. Funds will be used for artist contracts and marketing.
• Ciera Thompson will use film and produce “The Cultivated Image Project,” a web-based docu-series on local visual and performing artists. Funds will be used for artist contracts, production equipment, and marketing. 
• Talisha Timms will record “The Dani E.P.,” an original extended play album culminating in an album launch party. Funds will be used for artist contracts, production equipment, and marketing. 
• Barry Williams will film and direct an original film. Funds will be used to support artist contracts, production material rentals, and marketing. 
• William Wilson will create a series of oil paintings and pen-and-pencil sketches for a public exhibition. Funds will be used to support artist production supplies and marketing. 

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is now accepting applications for its fourth quarter FY24 Mini Grants Program through April 4, 2024, and applicants may learn more about those grant guidelines, frequently asked questions, and more on their website: https://www.theartscouncil.com/mini-grant.