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.

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

Deadline: July 10th, 2024

In its 49th year, CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. Located in Durham's lively Downtown district, the event is a favorite among visual artists, performing artists, and visitors. DAC's expanded marketing campaign, with support from the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Durham Inc., and fantastic media sponsors will continue to build regional response to this exciting event. Annual attendance at the festival averages 30,000 guests.  

CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 21 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 22- 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)

DEAR PROSPECTIVE CENTERFEST 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 festival staples and unique food options. If you are accepted as a food vendor for CenterFest 2024, you will receive a letter of agreement listing those menu items that you are approved to sell.

 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 June – July and after the deadline of August 1, 2024. Vendors who apply early may be accepted prior to the deadline at the Festival Director’s discretion.
• Payment is accepted online via ETIX at the link provided: 

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/50794182/2024-centerfest-food-vendor-application-durham-durham-arts-councildurham-art-walk
 

• The link will also be provided in the confirmation email that will be sent to you after completion of the application. 
• All fees must be paid in advance in order to be considered for participation in CenterFest 2024
   
• All fees are deposited upon receipt.
• You will receive notification by August 10, 2024 of acceptance or decline (followed by a refund of booth fee & setup deposit).
• Great placement of performance areas in relation to food vendor areas
• Timely technical support for electrical and water related issues
• Offer the widest variety of food choices by avoiding duplication among accepted vendors.
• 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's CenterFest! For additional information, please contact the CenterFest office 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 booths between 8 - 11 pm on Friday, 9/20 and Saturday, 9/21 between 6 - 8 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 CenterFest 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. Payment of a “Smoothie Premium,” in addition to the booth space fee, is required to sell smoothies. Applications for vendors selling mainly coffees, lattes, etc. and little or no food will be considered. Applications for vendors selling alcohol will not 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 September 21-22, 2024.

 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 CenterFest 2024, 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 August 25, 2024. 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 CenterFest 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.

Booth Space:

 

• Booth spaces are 10’x (10’, 15’, 20’ or 30’) depending on your selection
• Vendor may apply for more than one space; please utilize separate applications. If your booth/trailer size exceeds the booth space size, you must apply for the next sized booth or your application will not be processed. 
• 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 VENDOR (TFE) RATES
 $375.00 (10 x 10 ) Space
 $550.00 (10 x 15 ) Space
 $725.00 (10 x 20 ) Space
 $1,050.00 (10 x 30) Space
FOOD TRUCK RATES*
 $200.00 - 1 Day  
 $375.00 - 2-Day
OPTIONAL FEES
 $75.00 - Electrical hook up (*required for all food vendors and food trucks - NO GENERATORS ALLOWED)
 $300.00 - Smoothie Premium  

Security:

 

• Booths/Food Trucks MUST be set-up and tow vehicles removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. 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.