Durham Arts Council Submission Manager

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Craft

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*To access the application, set up your account at the bottom of the page*
What is the Emerging Artists Program?
     The Durham Arts Council's Emerging Artists Program (EAP) is a project grant program that provides financial support to developing OR established professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. Pivotal projects may happen at any stage of an artist's career. Emerging Artists Grants are intended to fund a project that will occur between April 1st, 2026 - March 31st, 2027. The Emerging Artists Program begins its 42nd year in 2025-2026.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
     Individual artists practicing any art form are eligible to apply for a grant. Applicant must be an individual, but the individual may apply for a project involving other artists. Applicant must currently reside in Durham, Chatham, Orange, Granville or Person Counties, North Carolina and have resided there for at least one year immediately prior to the application deadline (since January 4, 2025). Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be currently enrolled in a undergraduate or graduate degree program at the time of the application deadline. Recipients of 2024-2025 Emerging Artists Grants may not apply for a 2025-2026 grant.

What is the deadline for submitting applications?
Applications are due by 11:00 p.m., January 4, 2026. All portions of the application must be received by this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Who decides which artists receive awards?
     Grant applications and support materials are reviewed by local professional artists in each art form. Once the applications are scored, the reviewers meet as a panel chaired by a DAC board member to recommend the awards for the year. Those recommendations are forwarded to the DAC Board for final approval.

Who funds the program?
     The Emerging Artists Program is funded through grants from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Durham Arts Council, the Anika James Foundation, the Kelley Katzenmeyer Fund for Emerging Artists, arts councils of partner counties, the Ella Fountain Pratt Fund, and private & corporate donations.

What types of projects are likely to be funded?
     The Emerging Artists Grant Program is interested in assisting the development of an artist's career, so be sure to define the relationship of your project to your career goals.

        In the past, grant awards have provided funds for the following types of expenses:
        1) Promotion/ Presentation: The cost of producing or presenting work, marketing materials, web presence, expense associated with presenting work virtually.
        2) Travel: Travel to specific workshops, auditions, retreats or seminars—or to do research intrinsic to his/her art form.
        3) Services: Rental of equipment or facilities for presentation or creation of a new work.
        4) Supplies: Purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of a new work which is considered by the artist to be essential to her/his career.
        5) Training: Advanced workshops, master classes or coaching that will enhance the artist's abilities. This program does not support work towards a degree.

Can I get assistance in filling out the grant application?
     Yes, Durham Arts Council will offer information sessions to explain the program and answer any questions you may have about completing the grant application. These sessions are free, but you will need to email the contact to get a link to the meeting. Attend the session that is most convenient. We expect each session to last no more than 60 minutes. We will record the first session and post a link in the grant section of the DAC website.

    All workshops are at 6:00pm, held via Zoom. Contact Margaret DeMott at mdemott@durhamarts.org to register and get the meeting link.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Thursday, December 4, 2025

What selection criteria will be used?
        1. Overall excellence of the applicant's art work and demonstration of exceptional talent
        2. The applicant's serious professional commitment to her/ his art form
        3. Contribution of the proposed project to the artist's professional development
        4. Feasibility of the proposed project
        5. Timeline—project should happen between April 1st, 2026-March 31st, 2027

How much money can I expect to be granted?
     While no specific minimum has been established, the maximum amount an applicant can request is $1,500. Our priority is to provide full funding of the requested amount.
Will I be required to acknowledge the grant if I receive one?
     Yes, we ask that you acknowledge the grant in your promotional materials and/or website or social media. The more the grant program is seen to be supporting our local artists, the easier it is to raise funds to make more grants in the future.
Will I be required to provide a final report of my use of the grant?
     Yes, we require both a financial and narrative report. A report link will be sent to those receiving awards. Future awards will be contingent upon the submission of a final report.

  All applications are due by January 4, 2026, at 11:00 p.m.

     We do not accept late or incomplete applications.

The Emerging Artists Program is supported by The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund, the Kelley Katzenmeyer Emerging Artists Fund, the Anika James Foundation, contributions from the arts councils in partner counties and corporate and individual contributions.

Durham Arts Council, Inc. is a catalyst in the cultural development of Durham - it leads, inspires, and promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all the people of our community.   Durham Arts Council, Inc. makes all of its programs, facilities and services available without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender preference, marital status or political affiliation.

Emerging Artists Applicatioin 2025 - Dance

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Music

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Literature

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Film/Video

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Photography

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Sculpture/Installation

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Multidiscipline Performing

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Theatre

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Emerging Artists Application 2025 - Painting/Drawing/Printmaking/Mixed Media

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DAC Facility Grant Application

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Who may apply:

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 based in Durham County NC or individual artists living in Durham 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 are the only avenue for granting use of the PSI Theatre. Facility Grants will not be given to fundraising events. Facility Grants do not provide support for on-going operations and year round activities such as rehearsals, meetings and on-going programs. For year round requests, apply to the Season Grant Program unless you are requesting use of the PSI Theatre. 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 cscott@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.

Please contact facility staff before or during your application process to check availability of the building and to calculate any additional facility costs. Availability of facility space is not guaranteed until an event contract has been signed with the facilities department.

Contact: dacfacilities@durhamarts.org or (919)560-2787

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.

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. 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. See the DAC website for current rates: https://durhamarts.org/facility/

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. 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.

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market 2025 Food Vendor App

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The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive fine arts and crafts event that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Durham! The Holiday Market invites art lovers to experience a weekend featuring local artists, live music, world-class restaurants, and great shopping, at easily strollable venues in the Durham city center. The Holiday Market is the perfect transition from the harvest to the holidays! Free and family friendly!

Art Walk 2025 will be held on:
Saturday, November 22 10am-5pm

Sunday, November 23 1pm-5pm

DEAR PROSPECTIVE ART WALK FOOD VENDOR:
In order to provide each vendor with a unique presence, Durham Arts Council requires a complete menu with prices of the items you plan to sell at this year’s festival. We seek a balance of holiday staples and unique food options. If you are accepted as a food vendor for Art Walk 2025, you will receive a letter of agreement listing those menu items that you are approved to sell.

*Please scroll all the way down the page to create a Submittable account and complete the Food Vendor Application*

l Vendor Registration:
As of 2014 North Carolina has a mandatory registration for all festival vendors. All vendors must supply DAC with their NC vendor registration and have a copy on hand at their booth. Registration is free. You can find more information at: http://www.dornc.com/electronic/registration/index.html

Quick & Tasty Details:

Food vendor applications will be reviewed after the deadline of October 31st, 2025. Vendors who apply early may be accepted prior to the deadline at the Festival Director’s discretion.
Payment link will be provided in the confirmation email that will be sent to you after completion of the application.
All required fees must be paid in advance in order to be considered for participation in Art Walk 2025

*Please scroll all the way down the page to create a Submittable account and complete the Food Vendor Application*

All fees are deposited upon receipt.
You will receive notification by November 5th, 2025, of acceptance or decline (followed by a refund of booth fee & setup deposit).
Timely technical support for electrical and water related issues
Ice available to vendors for purchase on site.
Attractive seating areas close to food vendors.

We look forward to receiving your application and having your business join the wide range of food offerings at Durham Arts Council'st Art Walk! For additional information, please contact Colleen Scott at 919-560-2719 or email: cscott@durhamarts.org

Regulations:

All food vendors, restaurants, individuals, and non-profit groups may apply as food vendors.
Food vendors may set up Saturday, 9/16 between 8-9 am. By 9 am Saturday, all vehicles must be off-site.
All menu items and prices are subject to review by the Food Vendor Committee. Changes in menu items will require prior approval from the committee and cannot be made the day of the festival.
As required by law, all vendors will be subject to inspection by the Durham County Health Dept. and will be issued a permit for their temporary food establishment. No food can be prepared for at your temporary food establishment before your booth has been inspected and issued a permit. The only exception is vendors with a current mobile food truck permit.
Water under pressure will be provided to your booth. You will need to provide a dish washing sink, a receptacle for the removal of waste water, and a minimum of 20 feet to the water system.
Durham Arts Council has contracted with an outside vending firm to supply all lemonade, lemon-based drinks, and tea drinks. Food Vendors at Art Walk MAY NOT SELL bottled or canned beverages, water, tea, lemonade, lemon-based smoothies or any other lemon frozen products. The only exception is for non-lemon based frozen smoothies. Applications for vendors selling mainly coffees, lattes, etc. and little or no food will be considered.
ATMS will be available on festival site.
Food may only be sold from the assigned vending booth spot.
Vendors must abide by all applicable regulations, fire rules and sanitation laws.
Vendors are encouraged to make their booth space attractive and inviting.
Food Trucks are required to utilize onsite electricity. Generators are not allowed.
Fire extinguishers are required (at least one per booth). The Fire Marshall will inspect all booths.
Ice will be available for sale / delivery at $5 per bag.
Once accepted, you will be required to provide proof of current liability coverage of no less than $1,000,000.00; Durham Arts Council, and the City of Durham must be added as additional insureds for November 22-23, 2025.

For questions regarding food vending regulations contact Durham Co Health Dept. at 919-560-7800.

Refunds:
All fees are deposited upon receipt. If you are not selected to participate in Art Walk 2025, we will return booth fees in full. If you are selected but decide not to participate, you must notify the CenterFest office in writing no later than October 31st, 2025. There will be no refunds past this date. The Security/Setup deposit will be refunded by mail following the Festival if your site is left in satisfactory condition as determined by the Food Vendor Committee. Failure to properly clean or obstruction of festival site by vehicles will result in forfeiture of your $50.00 security deposit. Proper disposal of waste is required. The area will be inspected by the city prior to, during, and after the event.

Space:

Vendors must contain all equipment, supplies and storage within their space. Nothing may be hung on trees. Booths must be of sound construction, free-standing and must not obstruct others. No campers, RVs or trailers are allowed on site except during loading and unloading. Electricity will be provided only if requested on the application. Generators are NOT allowed.

Fee Schedule:
REQUIRED FEES
$30.00 Non-refundable application fee
$50.00 Cleaning Deposit (mandatory)
FOOD TRUCK RATES

$100.00- One Day Fee

$175.00- Two Day fee

Security:

Booths/Food Trucks MUST be set-up and tow vehicles removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov.22 and by 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
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:
Art Walk 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, we 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.

Durham Arts Council