Thank you for applying to the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market! Durham Art Walk Holiday Market hours are 10:00-5:00 on Saturday November 22nd and 1:00-5:00 on Sunday November 23rd. Due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee all Holiday Market applicants acceptance to the festival; we do our best to accommodate all interested artists.
Please note that work not produced by the registered artist will not be permitted - if the hands of other artists make the artwork, please do not apply. All work must be considered visual art or fine craft. Perishable and/or consumable items such as food, live plants, candles, soaps, lotions, and perfumes are not permitted. Artists can only apply for one space. DAC does not permit shared spaces.
Application deadline is September 29th at midnight.
The application fee is $10.00 and accepted artists must also pay a $110.00 booth fee. Applicants will receive a link to pay their $10.00 fee upon submission of their application. In order to be considered for the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market, you must pay this fee. Please contact Colleen at cscott@durhamarts.org if you do not receive the payment link. Accepted Durham Art Walk Holiday Market artists will be sent a payment link for the $110.00 booth fee at a later date.
For artists who would like an INDOOR space: Admittance to the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market does not guarantee a 10' x 10' booth space, wall space, or anything other than room for a freestanding display for your art work. Display space will vary depending on location. Availability of complimentary tables and/or chairs is limited. Most spaces are roughly 7 or 8 feet by 10 feet. Every effort is made to provide space appropriate to each vendor.
For artists who would like an OUTDOOR space: We are asking artists who have access to a 10' x 10' tent, and experience with using a tent in outdoor markets, to consider signing up for an outdoor space. All outdoor spaces in the festival footprint will be monitored by overnight security. PLEASE NOTE that there will NOT be a large shared tent available to artists at this year's event; all outdoor artists will provide their own 10' x 10' tent
*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.
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.