Arts Business Relief Grant
For western North Carolina arts businesses affected by Hurricane Helene.
ArtsAVL is proud to announce the launch of the Arts Business Relief Grant to support arts businesses in Western North Carolina that have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. This grant program is designed to provide financial relief to for-profit and nonprofit arts organizations focused on craft, visual, and performing arts, including music.
Eligible businesses must have been producing high-quality arts programming or products for at least two consecutive years, operate with a minimum annual budget of $20,000, and be located within one of the 26 counties in Western North Carolina most affected by the hurricane.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to help businesses cover expenses such as salaries, artist fees, production costs, promotion, supplies, and facility operations. The application deadline is March 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
“Storm damage, prolonged service disruptions, and significant declines in business activity are severely impacting arts businesses across Western North Carolina,” said ArtsAVL executive director Katie Cornell. “We are doing our best to offer support during these challenging times, but additional assistance is crucial to prevent the loss of this vital economic engine and an essential part of our cultural heritage.”
Eligibility Criteria
- Focus on presenting or producing local arts programming or products.
- Open to arts nonprofits, galleries (primarily supporting local artists), craft producers, and music venues.
- Minimum two years of producing quality arts programming or products.
- Prior-year operating expenses of at least $20,000.
- Located in one of the 26 impacted counties.
- Demonstrate substantial impact from Hurricane Helene.
Sole proprietors, or arts organizations that are part of municipalities, churches, school systems, or colleges/universities are not eligible.
Eligible Uses of Funds
- Salaries, artists’ fees, production, promotion, and programming expenses.
- Supplies, equipment, office expenses, and facility operations.
For more details or to apply, please visit artsavl.org/relief
