The Arts Council Seeking Grant Applications for 2009-2010 Funding Year

A link to the 2008-2009 grant awards is at the bottom of the page. 

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is seeking applications for grants in its 2009-2010 grant cycle. The Council is projected to award just over $2 million in five grants programs, the largest being for organization support of Arts Council funded partners. The five grant programs are Organization Support, Arts-In-Education, Project Assistance, Regional Artist Project, and Advertising Assistance.

The deadline for Organizational Support grant applications is May 1.  All other applications are due by June 1.  First-time applicants for Organizational Support grants are strongly encouraged to contact The Arts Council for information that will be helpful in preparing applications.
 
"The primary mission of The Arts Council has always been to raise money to support its members and to strengthen and grow the arts community through its various grant programs," said Milton Rhodes, President and CEO of The Arts Council.  "Our grant programs are possible because residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County give generously to our annual campaign drives. Our current campaign, Building Where the Arts Come Alive, is in full swing, and we need broad participation from the community to meet our goal."

The Arts Council is "going green" this grant cycle.  Grant applications are available online and all applications, except those for Organizational Support, must be submitted electronically. Exceptions will be made for any applicant that lacks that capacity.  This procedure will eliminate the need for most applicants to submit multiple paper copies.

 
Organizational Support grants provide financial support to local arts organizations to assist in the day-to-day operations of the organization.  Grants are available only to member organizations of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

Arts-In-Education grants partner artists with educators, giving hands-on arts experience to thousands of students.  These grants also provide opportunities for teachers to develop skills in utilizing the arts to enhance classroom instruction. The program is administered in conjunction with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.

Regional Artist Project grants offer support to artists in the local community and region, helping each artist further his or her career development.  Individual artists and small, unincorporated groups are eligible to apply for this grant.

Project Assistance grants provide funding to arts organizations for a specific project for the benefit of a wide community audience.  Chris Koenig, grants administrator, said The Arts Council is encouraging first-time applicants and has a particular interest in technology related projects; those that may be considered cutting-edge; opportunities to provide seed capital for emerging organizations; and collaborative efforts.

Advertising Assistance program is supported by the Winston-Salem Journal, WXII TV, The Chronicle and 88.5 WFDD and provides significant cost-savings for local arts agencies promoting their organizations through these media outlets.  The program is available to members of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County was established in 1949 and was the first locally established arts council in the United States. The Arts Council enriches the quality of life for people in Winston-Salem and neighboring communities by raising funds for the arts, advocating for the arts, sponsoring events in conjunction with other arts organizations, providing educational opportunities, strengthening cultural resources, developing social capital, and aiding economic development.  In 2008, The Arts Council awarded approximately $1.9 million in grants and support to 37 arts and cultural organizations and 16  individual artists.

For further details on grant categories and information sessions for Organizational Support Grant applicants at The Arts Council visit its website www.intothearts.org  or contact Chris Koenig, at 336-722-2585, Ext. 121 or .