This page provides an overview of the grant program. To access the application, use the link at the bottom of the page to set up a free account.
Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Overview
The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant program supports the operations and programs of Durham nonprofit arts organizations to provide a range of professional and amateur arts opportunities for the people of Durham. The program provides funding opportunities for organizations without extensive grant writing experience and encourages partnerships or collaborations between agencies, communities, and neighborhoods.
The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Criteria listed below define the qualities of a strong grant application. The panel will also consider to what degree the full slate of recommended grant applications fulfills the intent of the grant program.
COVID-19 continues to have an enormous impact on how arts programs can be conducted, artists supported and audiences engaged. We encourage nonprofit arts organizations to apply for operating support and to focus on building back capacity and infrastructure.
Who may apply? Organizations or partnerships that have not been funded previously by the DAC Season Grant Program may apply for a Durham Arts Catalyst Grant. Applicants can receive up to two Durham Arts Catalyst Grants within a five-year period. Applicants who have been funded by the Season Grant Program should continue to apply to that program.
Non-profit organizations with arts as their core mission based in Durham County are eligible to apply. Applicant must be non-profit with 501(c)3 status or apply under a fiscal sponsor other than the Durham Arts Council. Arts nonprofits may request operating or project support. Nonprofit cultural/humanities organizations who are not arts organizations may apply for project support for an arts activity.
During this time of Covid-recovery, DAC’s priority will be funding organizations with an arts-specific core mission.
If you are a new applicant, you should review your application with Margaret DeMott, Director of Artist Services, (mdemott@durhamarts.org) before submitting your application
An information session will be held on Zoom on March 21st at 6 pm. Email mdemott@durhamarts.org for the link. The session will also be recorded and posted on the DAC Durham Arts Catalyst Grant web page.
If you applied last year and would like to know your scores from last year’s review, you are also encouraged to email Margaret DeMott. All applications must be submitted through Submittable.com by 11:00 PM, May 2nd, 2023.
What activities are eligible? Arts nonprofits may request support for general operations, a project, equipment or small scale capital projects. We encourage arts nonprofits to request operating support.
Cultural/Humanities nonprofits may request support for an arts project. The activity must occur between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Durham Arts Catalyst Grants are not awarded to fundraising activities/events.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN FY23-FY24. The Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Program is funded by the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund and the Grassroots Program of the NC Arts Council. In FY23 and FY24 those funds will be supplemented by NC ARPA Funds. These additional funds are intended to assist community arts organizations to build back stronger and have allowed the following:
NEW: for FY23 and FY24 nonprofit arts organizations may request funds for equipment or small-scale capital projects.
NEW: Through NC ARPA Funding DAC will develop and provide DEAI training for the Durham arts sector. Check the box in this application if you are interested in participating.
You will find new categories for your planned expense in question 3. These categories tie back to allowable ARPA expenses.
What can I request? You may apply for up to $3,000 in cash and/or use of space in the Durham Arts Council building. The Durham Arts Council building is a 52,000 sq. ft., city owned, community arts center that contains spaces for dance, theater and music rehearsals, meeting rooms, offices and performance spaces. As part of your Durham Arts Catalyst request you may ask for use of these spaces for your activity. There are fees associated with use of granted space in the building.
The DAC building is open with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place to protect the safety of all DAC building users.
What is required of Durham Arts Catalyst Grant Recipients? Each Durham Arts Catalyst Grant recipient will:
· Complete the Durham Arts Catalyst Grant contract and submit to DAC with appropriate attachments.
· Use the DAC and NC Arts Council logos and grant acknowledgment line in all relevant publicity, including listing in print materials, email blasts, web pages, and news releases.
· Pay user fees (if receiving a space grant).
· Thank the state elected officials representing Durham for supporting state funding for the arts either in email or letter.
· Attend or promote Arts Day depending on level of grant.
· Participate in 'Count on Me NC' (https://countonmenc.org) program to be acquainted with protocols for limiting spread of COVID-19.
· Participate in the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study coordinated by DAC by completing the data survey and collecting audience surveys at your events.
· File final reports on the use of the grant by July 12, 2024.
Criteria for Evaluating Grant Applications (each application will receive a numeric score for each of the criteria ranging from 1 to 5; 1 being lowest, 5 being highest:
· Artistic quality of proposed activities
· Community impact of activities
· Ability to plan and implement
· Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization
· Goals for diversity, equity, access and inclusion and strategies for achieving those goals.
· Promotion of cross-cultural or community collaboration or partnership
This page provides an overview of the grant program. To access the application, use the link at the bottom of the page to set up a free account.
Season Grant Overview
The Season Grant program supports the operations and programs of nonprofit arts organizations to provide a range of professional and amateur arts opportunities for the people of Durham. The Season Grant Criteria listed below define the qualities of a strong grant application. The panel will also consider to what degree the full slate of recommended grant applications fulfills the intent of the grant program.
COVID-19 continues to have an enormous impact on how arts programs can be conducted, artists supported and audiences engaged. We encourage nonprofit arts organizations to apply for operating support and to focus on building back capacity and infrastructure.
Who may apply? Non-profit organizations with arts as their core mission based in Durham County are eligible to apply. Applicant must be non-profit with 501(c)3 status or apply under a fiscal sponsor other than the Durham Arts Council. Arts nonprofits may request operating or project support. Nonprofit cultural/humanities organizations who are not arts organizations may apply for project support for an arts activity. During this time of Covid-recovery, DAC’s priority will be funding organizations with an arts-specific core mission.
If you are a new applicant you should review your application with Margaret DeMott, Director of Artist Services, (mdemott@durhamarts.org) before submitting your application. If you are new to grant writing we recommend that you consider the Durham Arts Catalyst Grant which is designed for applicants who are just starting to apply for grants.
An information session will be held on Zoom on March 15th at 6 pm. Email mdemott@durhamarts.org for the link. The session will also be recorded and posted on the DAC Season Grant web page.
If you applied last year and would like to know your scores from last year’s review, you are also encouraged to email Margaret DeMott. All applications must be submitted through Submittable.com by 11:00 PM, May 2nd, 2023.
What activities are eligible? Arts nonprofits may request support for general operations, a project, equipment, or small-scale capital projects. We encourage arts nonprofits to request support that will help them strengthen capacity and infrastructure.
Cultural/Humanities nonprofits may request support for an arts project. The activity must occur between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Season Grants are not awarded to fundraising activities/events.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN FY23-FY24. The Season Grant Program is funded by the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund and the Grassroots Program of the NC Arts Council. In FY23 and FY24 those funds will be supplemented by NC ARPA Funds. These additional funds are intended to assist community arts organizations to build back stronger and have allowed the following:
NEW: for FY23 and FY24 nonprofit arts organizations may request funds for equipment or small-scale capital projects.
NEW: Through NC ARPA Funding DAC will develop and provide DEAI training for the Durham arts sector. Check the box in this application if you are interested in participating. You may also indicate other training topics that would be useful to your organization.
You will find new categories for your planned expense in question 3. These categories tie back to allowable ARPA expenses.
What can I request? You may apply for cash and/or use of space in the Durham Arts Council building. Organizations with BIPOC leadership may request up to $10,000 in cash. Leadership is defined as the combined staff and board. Leadership is considered BIPOC when more than 50% of the staff and board are BIPOC. All other organizations may request up to $8,600 in cash. Space grants included ongoing use of office, meeting, rehearsal, exhibit and performance space and short term, project specific performances and meetings. The Durham Arts Council building is a 52,000 sq. ft., city owned, community arts center that contains spaces for dance, theater and music rehearsals, meeting rooms, offices, exhibit and performance spaces. An applicant may ask for use of these spaces for a particular project or for on-going operations. There are fees associated with use of granted space in the building.
The DAC building is open with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place to protect the safety of all DAC building users.
What is required of Season Grant Recipients? Each Season Grant recipient will:
· Complete the Season Grant contract and submit to DAC with appropriate attachments.
· Use the DAC and NC Arts Council logos and grant acknowledgment line in all relevant publicity, including listing in print materials, email blasts, web pages, and news releases.
· Pay user fees (if receiving a space grant).
· Thank the state elected officials representing Durham for supporting state funding for the arts either in email or letter.
· Attend or promote Arts Day depending on level of grant.
· Participate in 'Count on Me NC' (https://countonmenc.org) program to be acquainted with protocols for limiting spread of COVID-19.
· Participate in the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study coordinated by DAC by completing the data survey and collecting audience surveys at your events.
· File final reports on the use of the grant by July 12, 2024.
Criteria for Evaluating Grant Applications (each application will receive a numeric score for each of the criteria ranging from 1 to 5; 1 being lowest, 5 being highest:
· Artistic quality of proposed activities
· Community impact of activities
· Ability to plan and implement
· Stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization
· Goals for diversity, equity, access and inclusion and strategies for achieving those goals.
The Durham Arts Council Arts Recovery Fund provides grants to arts organizations, arts venues and artist-owned arts businesses that have suffered financial loss due to the cancellation of events because of COVID-19. This fund does not award grants for projected losses. Organizational applicants must be based in Durham County and have been in operation for at least three years. Applications must be complete to be considered. Applicants will be emailed if their application is incomplete so that they have the opportunity to submit a complete application.
Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received for eligibility, clarity and completeness. Awards will be prioritized by need and be granted based on the availability of funds. We will also seek to fund applications that represent the variety and diversity of our community. Applications will be reviewed by DAC staff, DAC board and staff of other Durham arts service organizations.
Question? Email Margaret DeMott at mdemott@durhamarts.org
The DAC Arts Recovery Fund is supported by The PNC Foundation, The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Triangle Community Foundation, Duke University, Manbites DogTheater Fund and individual donors.
Durham Arts Council promotes and encourages excellence in the creation, experience and support of the arts all for the enrichment of our total community. Durham Arts Council does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation or belief, age, or disability.
El Fondo de Recuperación de las Artes del Consejo de las Artes de Durham concede subvenciones a organizaciones, empresas y locales artísticos que han sufrido pérdidas financieras por cancelación de eventos debido a la COVID-19. Este fondo no concede subvenciones por pérdidas proyectadas. Las organizaciones solicitantes deben tener su sede en el condado de Durham y haber funcionado durante al menos tres años. Se considerarán solo las solicitudes completas. Si una solicitud está incompleta, el solicitante recibirá un mensaje de correo electrónico para darle la oportunidad de presentar una solicitud completa.
Las solicitudes se revisan por orden de recepción para determinar su elegibilidad, claridad e integridad. Las subvenciones se conceden según la necesidad del solicitante y la disponibilidad de fondos. También intentamos subvencionar organizaciones que representen la variedad y diversidad de nuestra comunidad. Las solicitudes serán revisadas por el personal del Consejo de las Artes de Durham, la junta directiva del Consejo de las Artes de Durham y el personal de otras organizaciones de servicios artísticos de Durham.
¿Preguntas? Escríbale a Margaret DeMott a mdemott@durhamarts.org
El Fondo de Recuperación de las Artes del Consejo de las Artes de Durham es apoyado por la fundación The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, la fundación Triangle Community Foundation, la Duke University, el fondo Manbites Dog Theater Fund y donantes individuales.
El Consejo de las Artes de Durham promueve y fomenta la excelencia en la creación, la experiencia y el apoyo de las artes para el enriquecimiento de toda nuestra comunidad. El Consejo de las Artes de Durham no discrimina contra ningún empleado o solicitante de empleo por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, afiliación política, creencia, edad o discapacidad.
The Durham Arts Council Arts Recovery Fund provides grants to working artists that have suffered financial loss due to the cancellation of events because of COVID-19.
Applicants must live in Durham County, be at least 18, have practiced their art form for at least three years and have suffered a documented loss due to COVID-19. This fund does not make awards for projected losses. Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants will be emailed if their application is incomplete so that they have the opportunity to submit a complete application.
Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received for eligibility, clarity and completeness. Awards will be prioritized by need and be granted based on the availability of funds. We will also seek to fund applications that represent the variety and diversity of our community. Applications will be reviewed by DAC staff, DAC board and staff of other Durham arts service organizations.
There are other local funds available if you do not live in Durham County. Click here to see the entire list.
Please click on "create an account" to start your application.
Question? Email Margaret DeMott at mdemott@durhamarts.org
The DAC Arts Recovery Fund is supported by The PNC Foundation, The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Triangle Community Foundation, Duke University, Manbites DogTheater Fund and individual donors.
Durham Arts Council promotes and encourages excellence in the creation, experience and support of the arts all for the enrichment of our total community. Durham Arts Council does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation or belief, age, or disability.
El Fondo de Recuperación de las Artes del Consejo de las Artes de Durham concede subvenciones a artistas que han sufrido pérdidas financieras por cancelación de eventos debido a la COVID-19.
Los solicitantes deben vivir en el condado de Durham, ser mayores de 18 años, haber practicado su forma de arte durante al menos tres años y haber sufrido una pérdida documentada a causa de la COVID-19. Este fondo no concede subvenciones por pérdidas proyectadas. Se considerarán solo las solicitudes completas. Si una solicitud está incompleta, el solicitante recibirá un mensaje de correo electrónico para darle la oportunidad de presentar una solicitud completa.
Las solicitudes se revisan por orden de recepción a fin de determinar su elegibilidad, claridad e integridad. Las subvenciones se conceden según la necesidad del solicitante y la disponibilidad de fondos. También intentamos subvencionar artistas que representen la variedad y diversidad de nuestra comunidad. Las solicitudes serán revisadas por el personal del Consejo de las Artes de Durham, la junta directiva del Consejo de las Artes de Durham y el personal de otras organizaciones de servicios artísticos de Durham.
Hay otros fondos locales para artistas. La mayoría de estos servicios funcionan en el condado en el que se encuentran. El Fondo de Ayuda para las Artes de Carolina del Norte (NC Arts Relief Fund) atiende a artistas del condado de Wake y de condados que no tienen un fondo de emergencia local.
Fondo de Ayuda para Artistas NorthStar de Durham (NorthStar Durham Artist Relief Fund)
Fondo de Ayuda para las Artes de Carolina del Norte (NC Arts Relief Fund)
Fondo de Ayuda para las Artes del Condado de Orange (Orange County Arts Relief Fund)
Esfuerzo de Ayuda para Artistas y Trabajadores del Arte de Chatham (Chatham Artist and Arts-Worker Relief Effort)
Fondo de Ayuda de Emergencia para Artistas de Greensboro (Greensboro Artist Emergency Relief Fund)
Fondo de Resiliencia de Creativos de Mecklenberg (Mecklenberg Creatives Resiliency Fund)
¿Preguntas? Escríbale a Margaret DeMott a mdemott@durhamarts.org
El Fondo de Recuperación de las Artes del Consejo de las Artes de Durham es apoyado por la fundación The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, la fundación Triangle Community Foundation, la Duke University, el fondo Manbites Dog Theater Fund y donantes individuales.
El Consejo de las Artes de Durham promueve y fomenta la excelencia en la creación, la experiencia y el apoyo de las artes para el enriquecimiento de toda nuestra comunidad. El Consejo de las Artes de Durham no discrimina contra ningún empleado o solicitante de empleo por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, afiliación política, creencia, edad o discapacidad.
Durham Arts Council Facility Grants provide short term use of the DAC building to support arts activities. Only non-profits incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization or individual artists are eligible to apply. If the project is being produced by an unincorporated group of artists an individual artist may apply on behalf of the group. Applicants must be over the age of 18.
What projects are eligible?
Facility Grants support short term projects in all art forms. Facility Grants will not be given to fundraising events. Facility Grants do not provide support for on-going operations, year round activities, and annual events. For year round requests, apply to the Season Grant Program. Facility grants cannot be used to request gallery space for exhibits in the building. To apply for an exhibit you must participate in the annual Call for Artists. Contact stierney@durhamarts.org or call 919-560-2719 for information about the Call for Artists.
What may I ask for?
Durham Arts Council manages a 52,000 sq. ft. public, community arts center that contains spaces for dance, theater and music rehearsals, meetings, workshops and performances. A Facility Grant may be used to request use of the facility with a total non-profit rental value of up to $1200 per fiscal year. Request value is calculated at the nonprofit arts & cultural rate rate posted on the DAC website:
http://www.durhamarts.org/pdf/facility/Event%20Room%20Rates%20and%20Fees.pdf Applicants will only be granted one facility grant per fiscal year (July 1 -June 30). Facility Grants are for rent only and do not include technical, maintenance or security fees incurred by the recipient. All Facility Grants require a User Fee payment by the recipient (See below in Item #2). If you are awarded a grant you will receive a contract itemizing fees and grant credits, at which time you will be able to adjust your project if necessary.
NOTE: You cannot apply for space using a Facility Grant if you have already made the same request using a Durham Arts Council Season Grant.
What are the criteria by which Durham Arts Council (DAC) evaluates applications?
Criteria for evaluating applications are: Quality of Art or Arts Experience, Project Implementation and Impact of the Grant on the quality of the project. Facility Grants are dependent on scheduling restrictions and event compatibility.
EIGHT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU CONSIDER APPLYING FOR THIS GRANT:
1. You may not apply if you have any outstanding bills or late grant reports due to DAC.
2. If you are requesting use of the Peoples Security Insurance Theatre, please note that if you are approved for this grant we require payment of a non-refundable, non-transferable User Fee of $70 per performance day in the theatre. If you are applying to use any non performance space at DAC, we require payment of a non-refundable, non-transferable User Fee of $10 for each 4 hour use. This will be due with your signed contract. If you cancel your performance, rehearsal or meeting you lose this deposit. If using the Theatre, we will also require you to meet with the DAC Technical Director at least two weeks prior to event.
3. Any time you occupy or enter Peoples Security Insurance Theatre, whether for performance, load-in, load-out, rehearsal or other reasons, DAC’s Technical Director must be present at a cost to you of $40.00 per hour. Overtime rates may apply if your use requires more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week of the technician’s time. This grant does not cover technician fees.
4. Normal Durham Arts Council building activity hours are 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday and 1:00-6:00 PM on Sunday. Any access to the building before or after these hours must be requested ahead of time and will result in extra charges to you.
5. Although use of tables, chairs and music stands can be included as part of the grant request, the recipient is responsible for setting them up and taking them down.
6. Although we can usually provide a piano, it is provided with tuning “as is”. If you will require tuning beyond this level, DAC will schedule the tuning and bill you.
7. We do not check date availability or reserve dates prior to receipt of a Facility Grant application.
8. Durham Arts Council reserves the right to require a security deposit depending on the type of activity and/or applicant’s previous credit history or lack of history. If you need further information about Durham Arts Council or have questions about this grant, contact the Office of Artist Services at 919-560-2720 or 560-2719. DAC reserves the right to request more information before making a decision about the award. You will generally receive notification in 6-8 weeks after due date. Please note that fees quoted in this document are current as of June 2016 and are subject to change without notice.
APPLICATIONS DUE: JULY 10th, 2023
The 48th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 30,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2023 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 16 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 17 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)
NONPROFIT APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
- A limited number of booth spaces will be available to nonprofits.
- Applicants must be 501 (c) 3 not for profit organizations and must submit their tax-ID # and upload IRS Determination Letter on the application. This will be used and verified as proof of non-profit status from the IRS Department of Treasury.
- Nonprofit applicants who are invited to participate in CenterFest will be assigned a (single) 10x10' booth space (tent, table, and chairs available for additional fee)
- Placement will be decided by the CenterFest Committee.
- Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.).
- Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permitted. Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
- CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts.
- Arts and Crafts sales are also prohibited.
- Information about your nonprofit may be freely distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being asked to leave the festival.
- Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
- Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
- All tent/display units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
- All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the festival. A contract will be sent to all accepted nonprofits and will include which items and pricing were approved by the Committee.
If more applications are received than spaces are available, preference will be given to applicants which:
- Have the arts as an integral part of the organization's mission.
- Offer an amenity to festival-goers. (Interactive activities to attract an audience)
- FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES CANNOT BE THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE BOOTH
FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Nonprofit Booth fees do NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg.
All application fees must be paid online via ETIX at the link provided:
- If you prefer to pay by check, please mail your check made payable to the Durham Arts Council, Inc. with your online application email confirmation to:
Durham Arts Council, CenterFest Office, 120 Morris Street Durham, NC 27701
All fees are deposited upon receipt. Groups will be notified by July 24th of their application status. If an organization is not accepted, booth fees will be refunded at this time if applicable.
- Applications are due no later than July 10th to be considered for CenterFest 2023.
- All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
REQUIRED FEES
$25.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
$85.00 - Durham Government Services Booth Space (NOT in shared booth space tent; table/chairs/tent are not included)
OPTIONAL FEES
$25.00 - Table and two chairs
$75.00 - Electrical hook up
$250.00 - 10 x 10' tent rental (delivered & assemble)
SECURITY:
- All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
- Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event, no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.
APPLICATIONS DUE: JULY 10th, 2023
The 48th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 30,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2023 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups. We are looking for a diverse array of performance groups and entertainers.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 16 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 17 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)
DURHAM GOVERNMENT SERVICES APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
- Durham Government Services applicants who are invited to participate in CenterFest will be assigned a separate (single) 10x10 booth space (NOT under shared tent; tent, table, and chairs available for additional fee)
- Limited spaces available
- Placement will be decided by the CenterFest Committee.
- Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.).
- Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permited. Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
- CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts.
- Arts and Crafts sales are also prohibited.
- Information about Durham Government Services department may be freely distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being asked to leave the festival.
- If you bring a department mascot, the mascot may roam freely within the vicinity of the booth to engage festival participants.
- Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
- Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
- All units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight.
- All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the Festival. A contract will be sent to all accepted government services and will include which items and pricing were approved by the Committee.
FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Government Services booth fees do NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg.
All application fees must be paid online via ETIX at the link provided:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/4315321/2023-centerfest-government-services-application--durham-durham-arts-councildurham-art-walk
- If you prefer to pay by check, please mail your check made payable to the Durham Arts Council, Inc. with your online application email confirmation to:
Durham Arts Council
CenterFest Office
120 Morris Street
Durham, NC 27701
All fees are deposited upon receipt. Groups will be notified by July 26th of their application status. If an organization is not accepted, booth fees will be refunded at this time if applicable.
- Applications are due no later than July 10th to be considered for CenterFest 2023.
- All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
REQUIRED FEES
$25.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
$85.00 - Durham Government Services Booth Space (NOT in shared booth space tent; table/chairs/tent not included)
OPTIONAL FEES
$25.00 - Table and two chairs
$75.00 - Electrical hook up
$250.00 - 10 x 10' tent rental (delivered & assemble)
SECURITY:
- All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
- Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.
APPLICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, JULY 10th, 2023
The 48th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 30,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2023 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 16 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 17 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)
POLITICAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
Political Parties and Political Candidates can rent booth space for their organization. Parties can rent as many tents, chairs, and tables as needed (fee schedule on next page), or they can bring their own equipment.
- All individual political candidates are encouraged to participate in CenterFest by either:
- renting a booth space on your own;
OR - if the candidate is affiliated with a political party which is renting a booth, candidate may request space within the party’s tent from the party coordinator.
- Booth spaces are available on the streets throughout the festival site. Placement within these parameters will be decided by the CenterFest Committee. A limited number of booth spaces will be available to political organizations.
- Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.).
- Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permited. Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
- CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts.
- Arts and Crafts sales are prohibited.
- Information about Political Parties/Candidates, or voter registration may be freely distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being asked to leave the festival.
- Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
- Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
- All booth spaces are 10’ wide and 10’ deep. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
- All units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
- All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the Festival.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL:
Political Party booth fee does NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Parties or Candidates can rent as many tents, chairs, and tables as needed (fee schedule below). Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg.
FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
All application fees must be paid online via ETIX at the link provided:
The link will also be provided in the confirmation email you will receive after you submit your application.
- If you prefer to pay by check, please mail your check made payable to the Durham Arts Council, Inc. with your online application email confirmation to:
Durham Arts Council
CenterFest Office
120 Morris Street
Durham, NC 27701
All fees are deposited upon receipt. Groups will be notified by July 24th of their application status. If an organization is not accepted, booth and rental fees will be refunded at this time if applicable.
- Applications are due no later than July 10th to be considered for CenterFest 2023.
- All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 23rd for a full refund of booth and rental fees.
REQUIRED FEES
$205.00 - Political Booth Space
$25.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
OPTIONAL FEES
$250.00 - 10 x 10 tent rental (delivered & assembled)
$75.00 - Electrical hook up
$25.00 - Table + 2 chairs
SECURITY:
- All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
- Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.
APPLICATION DEADLINE - JUNE 10th, 2023
The 48th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 30,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2023 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups. We are looking for a diverse array of performance groups and entertainers. The Durham Arts Council's goal is to showcase community artists, with a focus on performers who may not be represented in the wider arts sector. Performance artists and groups who identify as BIPOC are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete contact information
- Attach your technical needs sheet (upload file as word 'docx, doc' or pdf document, not exceeding 1MB)
- Provide description of your group
- Provide web link to online performance sample
- Upload press quality photo (png, gif, and jpeg files accepted, with file size not exceeding 1MB)
BENEFITS, SCREENING, AND REGULATIONS
BENEFITS
If selected to perform, you will receive the following festival benefits:
- Posting on the CenterFest website.
- Exposure in over 55,000 Event Guides to be distributed at the event and prior to the event through Durham and Orange Counties.
- Inclusion in publicity campaign and social media.
- Payment of up to $100 for your 20 - 45-minute performance. More established bands may be considered for higher performance fees.
- A designated area for performers to sell and distribute CD's and merchandise. Performers are responsible for managing their own sales.
SCREENING
All applicants will be screened by the Centerfest 2023 Management Team and entertainment committee. The screening process will take into account technical and scheduling needs, diversity in performances, and record of previous performances. All 2023 Applicants will be notified by July 20th if they are selected or not selected.
REGULATIONS
- Artists must perform work for which they were invited.
- Artists must provide technical specifications with the application.
- The DAC retains the right to use any festival documentation and photos to be used in future promotion of CenterFest without compensation to the artist.
- Stage performances will generally be 20 to 40 minutes.
- DAC provides professional quality sound systems, drum kits, and lights at main stages. Smaller sound systems are provided at other stages.
- All staging areas will be outdoors and two will have coverings. No "green room" dressing room, or rugs will be provided.
- No application fee to apply.
- Load in areas, parking passes and information and festival map will be included in a formal contract between you and the DAC upon selection to perform.
- Rainout: CenterFest is a Rain or Shine event. Performers will be asked to proceed in the event of light rain when it is safe to do so. No compensation will be paid due to performers decision not to participate; performers will be paid in the event of rain if they are present and ready to perform.
- Opportunities available for featured performers, well-loved bands, ensembles, singer/songwriters, dance groups, puppet shows, processions, juggling, music, marching bands and more.