Cucalorus receives NEA Grant for 2025 festival

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cucalorus announces it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $30,000.

This grant supports the 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival in downtown Wilmington Nov. 19 to 23, 2025. The festival will feature more than 75 events including independent film screenings, performances ranging from dance to comedy, and a host of unusual artistic events like the annual Bus To Lumberton experience, an homage to David Lynch’s Blue Velvet. The NEA will award 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including the 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival.”

Incoming Board Chair Jason Sargis shared, “We are honored to receive this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Cucalorus Film Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting independent artists and performers. It provides a unique platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their diverse perspectives, and fosters a spirit of collaboration, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the region. NEA support allows Cucalorus to continue providing a platform for groundbreaking artists and fostering a vibrant creative community.”