Alleghany Arts Council Excellence in the Arts Scholarship
Through the Alleghany Educational Foundation, the Alleghany Arts Council offers a scholarship to a high school senior who has excelled in the arts (Music, Poetry, Painting, Sculpture, Dance, Theater, Architecture, Cinema, or Comics) in high school and has an interest in furthering their artistic interests while pursuing a higher degree. Information on the scholarship and the application can be found on the Educational Foundation’s website.
The Artists Collective | Spartanburg has issued an open call for artist in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Alabama and Florida for their 8th Annual juried art exhibit. Top prize is $2500, and you can find the details on their website. Entry is open from July 1 – 31, 2026.
Arts in Community Grants
Great art brings people together. Arts in Community Grants support organizations that host Southern artists for meaningful public experiences that go beyond a single performance or exhibition. Projects include a public presentation alongside a community engagement activity such as a workshop, discussion, lecture, demonstration, or masterclass, creating opportunities for audiences and artists to connect in lasting ways. Awards of up to $10,000 are available for eligible projects featuring Southern artists working across film, literary, performing, traditional, and visual arts. Learn More and Apply Here
Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP)
Traditional arts endure because skilled artists choose to carry knowledge forward and share it with others. The Emerging Traditional Artists Program supports artists who are deepening their practice while carrying cultural knowledge forward for the next generation. Awardees receive a $5,000 award, along with professional development opportunities, peer networking, and mentorship designed to strengthen both their artistic practice and long-term impact. The program serves eligible artists living in Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority communities, as well as members of state or federally recognized Native American tribes. Learn More and Apply Here
In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants
The rich traditions of Central Appalachia are sustained not only by artists and tradition keepers, but by the organizations that create space for those traditions to thrive. In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants support nonprofit organizations preserving handcrafts, foodways, music, and other traditional arts across the region. Through $30,000 awards, the program strengthens the operational foundation these organizations depend on, supporting essential expenses that build long-term sustainability and community impact. Learn More and Apply Here
As a member of the North Carolina Arts Council, we receive notifications of resources for artists, including grants and calls for artwork. If you are an artist and would like to be notified of these opportunities, please join our artists directory.