Charlotte needs artists with new ideas and messages that spark essential conversations.
It is no secret that art needs financial support to move forward.
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The Wave Starter is here to help.
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Microgrants for music and visual artists to create develop and present art based on social commentary, self improvement and / or motivational messages
microgrants for music and visual artists to create develop and present art based on social commentary, self improvement and / or motivational messages
guidelines
The WAVE Starter provides resources for professional development and artist development for emerging and established artists to enhance their skills and abilities to create work or to improve their capacity.
The Collaboration Corp. is accepting applications from creatives living in Mecklenburg County.
Artists representing music, visual, craft, performing, traditional, and interdisciplinary art forms are encouraged to apply.
Artists will be rewarded $1,500. Applications selected for funding will receive the full award for which they are eligible.
eligibility
Individuals and Artist Collectives — Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply.
Residency — Artists should have lived continuously in Mecklenburg County for at least one year before August 1, 2024. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. All members of a collaborating team must be North Carolina residents, with the main requester living in Mecklenburg County to meet eligibility requirements.
Conflict of Interest — Current board and staff members of the consortium partner organizations and their family members are not eligible to apply for the award.
Student Status — The Artist Support Grant is intended for adult, nonstudent artists. Artists enrolled full-time in undergraduate or associate degree-granting programs may not apply for the grant. Artists in certificate programs are generally eligible. Artists pursuing graduate degrees in subjects other than their art form may be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.
eligible project costs
Completion/Presentation of a New Work — Cost of resources necessary to complete or present a significant new work (e.g., purchasing art supplies or equipment (digital may qualify) or space rental.
Career Promotion — Projects aimed at advertising artists’ work and/or demonstrating their skill level (e.g., websites, portfolios, audio-visual documentation, and online presentation)
Training — Costs to attend a class or workshop (in-person or virtual) aimed at either enhancing the artist’s skill level or professional development (e.g., a master class or workshop taught by acknowledged authorities in the applicant artist’s medium)
Travel — Costs of transportation, lodging, and food for training or professional conferences.
ineligible project costs
Scholarships for undergraduate- or graduate-level education
Projects that support or oppose a particular candidate for public office
Projects that are exclusive to members of a particular religious faith group
Projects that do not have a direct effect on the applicant’s growth as an artist (e.g., the promotion of other artists’