Creative renewal fellowship
opens January 20, 2026
The Creative Renewal Fellowship is intended to reinvigorate experienced artists by offering the time, resources, and freedom to explore new directions, deepen their practice, and sustain their long-term creative vitality in Mecklenburg County.
This Fellowship is designed to provide a sabbatical-like experience for Mecklenburg-based creatives with over 10 years of experience looking to expand or re-invigorate their creative practice. This opportunity is aimed at helping established creatives combat creative burnout and integrate new mediums/ideas into their practice.
Up to 25% of total budget can be used to purchase new supplies/materials for work created throughout the course of the Fellowship, but the main focus should be to gain new skillsets/experience or experience with new mediums/ideas.
This Fellowship is meant to provide freedom to experiment and combat creative burnout by engaging in new trainings, learnings, and experiences.
Grant Highlights
- Application opens: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Projects must take place: Between May 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027
- Grant amount: $15,000
- A maximum of 25% of the total budget, or $3,750, can be used for supplies or materials needed to complete new work.
- At least 75% must be used for workshop/residencies/apprenticeship fees and costs for travel/living accommodations.
- Fellowship focus: Applicants must submit proposals with a focus on gaining new skillsets/knowledge, experimenting with new disciplines/mediums, or exploring new avenues of creative expression.
- Timeline (approximate – please know these dates may shift):
- Application deadline: February 22, 2026
- Review panel scoring deadline: March 15, 2026
- Email notifications to all applicants: March 20, 2026
- Grant funds distributed: End of April 2026
- One Application Per Cycle Policy: This grant follows a one-application-per-cycle policy. The new policy is designed to support a more equitable review process and ensure fair distribution of funding across our community. We encourage applicants to submit their strongest proposal each cycle. Previous recipients of a Creative Renewal Fellowship are ineligible to apply again to ensure these grant awards broaden their reach within our artist community.
How do I apply?
All applicants are required to apply through our online application system. The “Start Your Application” button will be linked when the application opens.
City of charlotte & Mecklenburg County Strategic Support
ASC’s Creative Renewal Fellowships are made possible through the generous support of Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, reflecting our community’s shared investment in its creative leaders. This public funding underscores the belief that artists are vital to the cultural and civic life of our region. By supporting their continued growth and creative tenure, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte help sustain a thriving, innovative arts ecosystem for all.
2025 Creative Renewal Fellowship Recipients
Alejandro Ziegler
A Yearlong Journey into Improvisation, Folkloric Traditions, and New Instrumental Horizons
RAYMOND GRUBBS
Designing a photography book during a Fall 2025 residency in France.
OSIRIS RAIN
Learning 3D design to expand an artistic practice into installation art, enabling access to more dynamic public art commissions.
J Stacy Utley
Examining the intersection of public art, gentrification and personal transformation, through a comprehensive retrospective and forward-looking practice.
TAMARA WILLIAMS
Studying traditional Yoruba drumming during a sabbatical.
2024 Creative Renewal Fellowship Recipients
de'Angelo DIA, Literary
To learn a new creative expression and creative renewal, as a means of humanizing hope, through workshops with Penland School of Craft, the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, and Charlotte Lit.
sarah hayes harkins, dance
“From Ballerina to Tanguera” – Retiring principal dancer in Charlotte Ballet plans to explore Argentine tango by training with world-class tango dancers and traveling to global tango destinations.
Sir Hodge, Film/Media Arts
To participate in an apprenticeship program at the esteemed Isoko Studios under the guidance of creative director, Oghalé Alex, based in London, England.
Abel Jackson, Visual Arts
To travel to Kenya with Zawadi International Artist exchange program for a diverse and immersive experience, which combines cultural exchange, community involvement, wildlife exploration, and relaxation
Herman Nicholson, visual arts
I will acquire essential materials, attend workshops, and access mentorship opportunities, enabling me to immerse myself in learning the wet plate collodion process, a historic photographic technique, and refine my skills through hands-on experience.