Culture Blocks for Creative Individuals
Culture Blocks for Creative Individuals supports creatives and teaching artists in delivering free, resident-informed arts, science, and history experiences to expand access in underserved Mecklenburg neighborhoods.
Funder: Arts and Science Council
Due Dates: January 4, 2027 (Applications open) | January 29, 2027 (Draft review deadline) | February 8, 2027, noon EST (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 for programming from July 1–December 31, 2027; partial funding possible
Summary: Supports free, resident-informed arts, science, and history experiences in designated underserved Mecklenburg County neighborhoods.
Key Information: Nonprofit directors, CEOs, founders, and executive directors cannot apply under the Creative Individuals category.
Description
Culture Blocks is funded by Mecklenburg County and administered by the Arts and Science Council (ASC), in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Libraries and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation. It supports free cultural experiences shaped by residents and offered close to where they live, focusing on historically underserved neighborhoods with limited access to arts, science, and history.
Programming takes place in libraries, recreation centers, parks, and other community spaces in Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville. Supported activities include visual arts, dance, theater, writing, photography, culinary arts, music classes, film screenings, concerts, festivals, and multicultural events. The emphasis is on accessible, in-person experiences for broad audiences, rather than professional development or training for specific groups.
