ASC: Creative Renewal Fellowship Grant

The ASC: Creative Renewal Fellowship offers established artists in Mecklenburg County the chance to rejuvenate their creative practices. This fellowship supports a structured period of rest and exploration, with funds allocated for activities such as research, instruction, and travel. Eligible applicants must have at least 10 years of experience and reside in the area. The fellowship encourages innovative thinking, aiming to strengthen the local cultural community by investing in individual artists' growth.

We serve as the designated “Office of Cultural Resources” for the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and six suburban towns by providing advocacy, cultural education programs, cultural planning, fundraising, grant making, public art and workshops and trainings for the cultural community.
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.
Applicants must submit proposals with a focus on gaining new skillsets/knowledge, experimenting with new disciplines/mediums, or exploring new avenues of creative expression.

Eligibility

Eligible expenses:Fees associated with workshops, apprenticeships, residencies, mentorships/trainings, and conferences.
Up to $3,750 in materials/supplies needed to complete/experiment with new work during the course of the Fellowship
Flights or ground transportation
Hotel/Airbnb stays for the duration of your workshops, apprenticeships, residencies, and/or conferences.Eligible applicants areResident of Mecklenburg County (3+ years)Creating original work, rather than interpreting/curating the work of others

Ineligibility

Ineligible Expenses:Materials/supplies that go over the maximum allowed: $3,750.
Artist fees over $3,000.
Memberships for studio time or rental space for rehearsal/performance.
Marketing and/or promotion expenses.
Addressing, eliminating, or reducing existing debt.
Entertainment and hospitality, including expenses for activities such as receptions, parties, galas, food/drinks, etc.
Prizes and awards for an event, person, and/or organization.
Activities that are associated with a graduate or undergraduate degree program or for which academic credit is received.
Applications for projects that proselytize or promote religious activities, or which take place as part of a religious service.
Programming or event expenses.