Our Mission

Founded in 1967 with the democratic vision of "arts for all citizens," the North Carolina Arts Council sustains and grows the arts for the benefit of North Carolinians and their communities.

What We Do: The Arts Council A-Z

The North Carolina Arts Council delivers resources to arts organizations and artists to support projects and programs of public value that revitalize downtowns, educate and empower North Carolina youths, and fuel a thriving non-profit creative sector that generates over $2 billion annually.

Spark the Arts

Vitality. Fellowship. Healing. These are the qualities the arts spark, and they are what North Carolina needs to rebuild its economy and emerge resiliently from the pandemic. This is why the North Carolina Arts Council created Spark the Arts, an awareness campaign designed to inspire public participation in the arts across North Carolina by highlighting the unique way the arts lift spirits, bring people together, and heal.

Guidelines and Deadlines for the N.C. Artist Support Grant

The N.C. Artist Support Grant program was created to support individual artists during the pandemic. Artists across the state may apply now for Year 2 of the grant program.

Governor Cooper Reappoints Jaki Shelton Green As North Carolina’s Poet Laureate

On Monday, May 17, Governor Roy Cooper announced that he would reappoint poet, teacher, and community advocate Jaki Shelton Green as North Carolina’s poet laureate.

Discover North Carolina Arts Stories

The North Carolina Arts Council presents stories and shares news about artists, arts organizations, and arts sector trends that capture the spirit, impact, and public value of the arts on the Arts Across NC blog.