Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County awards $29,375 in Mini Grants to local artists & nonprofits; Mini Grants Program budget grows from $5K to $150K in four years

By Staff Report, posted Oct 30, 2023 on BizFayetteville.com

Image courtesy of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

When the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s leadership first set aside a small budget for an annual Mini Grants Program in 2019, they had no idea the program would grow to the magnitude and impact it now has in 2023.

Michael Houck, the Arts Council’s Director of Grants & Allocations, believes it was the artists and small nonprofit organizations’ collective struggle during the pandemic that proved the need to grow the Mini Grants Program and validated its worth to the Cumberland County community.

From its first-time budget of about $5,000 to now an annual budget of $150,000, the Arts Council has quickly responded to the growing demand for these grants and now offers them on a quarterly basis to not just individual artists, but also to nonprofit organizations, municipal entities and institutions of higher education.

For first quarter FY24, the Arts Council has awarded a total of $29,375 dollars in Mini Grants to four nonprofit organizations and nine individual artists in Cumberland County. These grantees include the following.

Nonprofit Organizations

Artist Village Community Theatre will produce their inaugural theater production of War of the Worlds: A Radio Play in Hope Mills, NC.

Date of Project: October 27-28 at 7:00 p.m.; October 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Friendship Community Garden will present “Fostering Community through Botanical Arts,” a community garden event to include Coop Lot tours, art material collection, and three activities with in-season plants: botanical dyeing, seed paper crafting, and dried flower stickers.

Date of Project: 11/04//23

NC One Love Unity will present “Reggae Sunday” at the Stadium Event Center patio in downtown Fayetteville, featuring local reggae musical acts and interactive Carnival dance performances.

Date of Project: 10/29/23

Vision Resource Center will present the Creative Expressions project, which involves VRC Staff, consumers, and creative artists collaborating to enhance the VRC Walking Trail with vibrant artwork and a sensory garden, making it inclusive and accessible, especially for the visually impaired.

Date of Project: 03/27/24 at 10:00 a.m.

Individual Artists

Andrew Brooks will host workshops for local filmmakers focusing on scriptwriting, acting, and producing. The workshops will culminate in the creation of a 30-minute short film for public viewing. Funds will be used for venue rental, production supply, and actor stipends.

Date of Project: 10/01/23

Lawrence Bullock III will host and perform at a Spoken Word showcase featuring three local spoken word artists. The event will also feature a book signing by the artist. Funds will be used for contracted artist fees, marketing, and book purchasing.

Date of Project: 12/2/23

Patsy Crawford will paint a large-scale mural along Person Street on the side of Sweet Palette. Funds will be used for artist fees, pressure washing and wall preparation, and paint supplies.

Michele Falls will lead a workshop targeted at BIPOC mothers where participants will create their own eco-printed scarf. Funds will be used for art supplies, contracted artist fees, childcare services, and marketing.

Date of Project: 12/01/23

Timothy French will paint 40 portraits of Fayetteville residences based on the diversity in current census population data. Funds will be used for a printed exhibition catalog, frames, web hosting, and prints.

Date of Project: TBD

Hard Camo Fete Dance Troupe will perform cultural dances with a focus on Carnival in multiple public venues this fall. Funds will be used for costuming materials, a choreographer, videographer, designer, and marketing.

Date of Project: 10/15/23

Tehya Jenae will photograph artists working and present the photos in a virtual exhibit. Funds will be used for web design/hosting and artist applicant fee.

Date of Project: 12/4/23

Crystal Styles will lead an artist showcase called Redemption Volume 4 in November at the Rainbow Room. The showcase will feature an MC, DJ, mini fashion show, and live painting. Funds will be used for venue rental, contracted artist stipends, marketing, and artist applicant fee. Date of Project: 11/10/23

Anedra Walls will host the I AM PLUS Fashion Show, featuring plus-sized models and local fashion designers. Funds will be used for venue rental, musicians, designer stipends, and make-up.

Date of Project: 11/11/23

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The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is currently accepting applications for its second quarter FY24 Mini Grants Program through Nov. 1, 2023, and applicants may learn more about those grant guidelines, frequently asked question, and more on their website:

https://www.theartscouncil.com/mini-grant.

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