New Year, New Grant Opportunities with ASC!
A new year means new possibilities for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s creative community, and ASC is proud to kick off 2026 with three major grant opportunities for artists, creatives, nonprofits, and neighborhood partners.
Whether you’re seeking space, funding, renewal, or a platform to connect with local audiences, ASC has a path for you.
Read on, get your calendar ready, and start planning your application!
🎨 Culture Blocks for Creative Individuals
Applications open January 5 – February 1, 2026
First Info Session: January 8 | Click here for a full list of info sessions!
Culture Blocks invests directly in artists and creatives whose programming strengthens communities across Mecklenburg County.
This call is specifically for Creative Individuals producing programming between July 1 – December 31, 2026 in Culture Blocks neighborhoods.
Culture Blocks presents FREE arts, science, and history experiences close to where residents live. Eligible project types include:
- Workshops/Classes
- Performances
- Community-based cultural programs
- And more!
Guidelines are already available; applicants can begin preparing now.
Get Started: Culture Blocks Application Details
🌱 Emerging Creators & Creative Renewal Fellowships
Applications open January 20 – February 22, 2026
First Info Session: January 22 | Click here for the full list of info sessions!
ASC’s signature fellowships return in 2026 to provide time, space, and support for artists at pivotal moments in their creative journeys.
Emerging Creators Fellowship
- $10,000 award
- For emerging artists living in Mecklenburg County to take bold steps involving creative risk.
- Supports the exploration, research, or development of new creative work.
Creative Renewal Fellowship
- $15,000 award
- For established artists living in Mecklenburg County offering time, resources, and freedom to explore new directions and deepen their practice.
- Provides artists an opportunity to explore new avenues of creative expression and combat creative burnout.
More Details: Emerging Creator Fellowship
More Details: Creative Renewal Fellowship
🏛 Venue Access Grants
Applications open January 14, 2026 (rolling application cycle)
First Info Session: January 13 | Click here for a full list of info sessions!
Priority Deadline: February 11 at noon
Notifications for Round 1: March 11
Access to space shouldn’t be a barrier to creativity. ASC’s new Venue Access Grants help cover the cost of renting venues for performances, exhibitions, rehearsals, community programs, and more.
For Nonprofits (501c3 organizations based in Mecklenburg County):
- Up to $20,000 in venue rental support
- Rolling applications (preference to those submitted by Feb. 11)
For Creative Individuals (living or working in Mecklenburg County):
- Up to $10,000 in venue rental support
- Rolling applications (preference to those submitted by Feb. 11)
Guidelines + application pages are already live on our website!
- Learn More: Venue Access Grants – Creative Individuals
- Learn More: Venue Access Grants – Nonprofits
Questions? Contact grants@artsandscience.org
Start the New Year with ASC, and let your creativity take flight!
With fellowships, venue support, and community program funding all opening this January, there has never been a better time to bring your creative vision to life.
Follow ASC for reminders, info sessions, and tips.
Ask questions, dream big, and let’s make 2026 a year of creative possibilities across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
ABOUT ASC
The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural leader, serving as a resource hub, funder, and advocate for arts, science, and history.
A supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas, ASC champions local creatives by investing in the arts, sciences, and culture to drive economic growth, community retention, and cultural engagement.
Our mission is to build inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich communities where creativity drives belonging, growth, and opportunity. From artist support grants and public art stewardship to free Culture Blocks events and partnerships with local schools and universities, ASC invests in a thriving, accessible creative ecosystem for all.
