The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is pleased to announce the recipients of the Fiscal Year 2026 Project Support Grants. A total of $169,280 has been awarded to 14 arts-focused programs across Cumberland County, each designed to elevate artistic expression, enrich community engagement, and strengthen Fayetteville’s appeal as a regional tourism destination.

Spanning theater seasons, visual arts residencies, concert series, and cultural festivals, these grant-funded initiatives will take place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Together, they represent a growing creative economy that attracts visitors, drives foot traffic in commercial corridors, and adds vibrancy to public life.

“These programs reflect the dynamic spirit of our region and help position Fayetteville as a cultural destination,” said Director of Grants and Allocations Michael Houck in a press release. “They’re not just entertainment—they’re experiences that encourage travel, support local businesses, and deepen our identity as a community that values the arts.”

This year's funded programs are expected to draw attendees from across the region and state, bringing increased visibility and economic benefit to Fayetteville and its surrounding communities.

Project Support Grants are made possible through support from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. These investments reflect a shared commitment to fostering cultural growth and creating opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the arts.

2025-2026 Funded Programs

Artist Village Community Theatre will produce a 2025-2026 Theatre Season consisting of two plays and one musical. Performances will take place between October 2025 and May 2026 at various locations across Hope Mills.   

Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation will host a residential artist to provide on-site visual art activities within Cape Fear Valley Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit.

City of Fayetteville/Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation will produce the annual Independence Day Concert on July 4, 2025, at Festival Park, with community partners the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. 

City of Fayetteville/Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation will produce community-focused music education activities through the new Music Lab initiative, with classes taking place all year long at the Orange Street School.

Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a 2025-2026 Season of Concerts as part of the Cumberland Choral Arts choir and the Cross Creek Chorale. These two performance groups will produce five concerts across Cumberland County between October 2025 and May 2026. 

Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a 2025-2026 Season of Concerts with the Campbellton Youth Choir. This youth-centered choir will perform five concerts between October 2025 and May 2026. 

Cumberland County Library will produce the 2026 Storytelling Festival. This year’s theme is Enchanted Gardens and will feature a series of programs across the county throughout March 2026.

FTCC Foundation, Inc. will produce the 2025-2026 Guest Artist Concert Series featuring local, regional and nationally recognized musicians. Public performances and masterclasses will take place at FTCC between October 2025 and May 2026. 

The Gilbert Theater will produce a 2025-2026 Season of Theater consisting of three plays and two musicals. The theater will also host a series of educational initiatives for adult and youth performers. 

Groundswell Pictures will produce the 10th Annual Indigo Moon Film Festival in Downtown Fayetteville. This film festival takes place in October and draws artists from around the world for a three-day film screening and awards ceremony.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will produce the 2025 History Live! series providing educational and historically-focused programs to the community between October and December 2025.

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Church will produce the annual Greek Arts and Learning Festival in September. 

Service Source will host a residential artist to provide on-site visual art lessons within the Bloom Art program. This once-a-week program serves adults with disabilities.  

Applications for the next Project Support cycle are set to open in July 2025 with a deadline of August 15, 2025. For more information about the Arts Council grants programs, visit theartscouncil.com/grants or contact Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations, at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.