Cape Fear arts groups among recipients of nearly $11 million in state grants
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Arts organizations, schools, municipalities and artists across North Carolina are receiving nearly $11 million in grants from the North Carolina Arts Council for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, announced $10,990,208 in grants supporting 340 organizations and programs across all 100 counties.
Individual grants range from $2,000 to $354,262.
The Arts Council also facilitated $1,118,957 in direct appropriations to the Lost Colony.
Several organizations in the Cape Fear region are among this year’s recipients.
In Brunswick County, the Brunswick County Arts Council received $113,349 through the Grassroots Arts Program, while the North Carolina Rice Festival received $8,000 for its 2027 festival.
In Bladen County, Clarkton School of Discovery received $28,919 through the Grassroots Arts Program.
In Columbus County, the Columbus County Arts Council received $39,972 through the Grassroots Arts Program.
In New Hanover County, the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County received $75,171 through the Grassroots Arts Program.
Other New Hanover County recipients include:
- Cucalorus Film Foundation — $22,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum — $54,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- Narrative Arts — $16,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- WSO, Inc. — $19,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- Snow Productions — $12,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- DREAMS Center for Arts Education — $24,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- Brooklyn Arts Music Academy — $13,000 for arts programs and administrative support
- Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts — $10,000 for a community-based residency with Achinta McDaniel and Blue13 Dance, including a performance and educational programs
- Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County — $12,500 for professional development of artists in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties
In Pender County, the Pender Arts Council received $51,431 through the Grassroots Arts Program.
The Arts Council said this year’s funding priorities include community outreach and audience engagement, organizational capacity, connecting K-12 students with artists and expanding access to teaching artists.
The agency is also emphasizing public-private partnerships and support for local arts organizations in all 100 counties.
“As we continue our Sustaining Support for Arts Organizations grants, we’re seeing how added stability in operating expenses empowers organizations to grow and innovate,” Arts Council Executive Director Jeff Bell said.
Sustaining Support grants help fund ongoing artistic and administrative operations. This year’s grants in that category were awarded to organizations in literature, visual arts, film and dance.
DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell said state investment in arts and culture contributes to communities and the statewide economy.
The complete list of 2026-27 North Carolina Arts Council grant recipients is available through the Arts Council.
