Festival Funding Support
Festival Funding Support supports festival organizers with funding for arts, science, history, and heritage programming that broadens cultural access and engages residents across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Funder: Arts and Science Council
Due Dates: January 29, 2027 (Draft feedback) | February 8, 2027 at noon (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000, plus 15% administrative fee ($11,500 total), for festivals July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
Summary: Supports arts, science, history, and heritage programming within free public festivals in Mecklenburg County.
Key Information: Organizers must have at least one festival-production experience within the past three years.
Description
Arts and Science Council’s Festival Funding Support provides project-based support for the arts, science, history, and heritage components of large-scale public festivals in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Festivals must center on a curated theme, cultural experience, or artistic discipline rather than a general social gathering. Funding supports eligible cultural engagement components, not the festival’s full operating budget.
The program aims to honor the region’s diversity, expand cultural access, engage residents, and create opportunities for local cultural programming providers. It advances the City of Charlotte Arts & Culture Plan’s priorities around reducing participation barriers, increasing cultural visibility, and encouraging collaboration. Through this support, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County invest in accessible cultural experiences in neighborhoods and community gathering spaces.
