The Arts Council of Wayne County has announced the distribution of the North Carolina Arts Council’s
Grassroots Arts Program Grants to a diverse array of local arts organizations and nonprofits.

This year, a total of $37,692 has been awarded, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the arts thrive across our community.

This cornerstone program provides arts funding to all 100 counties through an extensive network of local arts councils and partners.

Funds are distributed on a per capita basis, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality arts experiences and benefits from the important role the arts play in our communities.

“This is my third year overseeing the distribution of the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program Grant
to Wayne County arts organizations and nonprofits,” Arts Council of Wayne County Executive Director, Anna Hinson, said. “I’m committed to ensuring every applicant has the best opportunity to secure funding, and seeing this list reaffirms that we are on the right track. I’m especially delighted to recognize a couple organizations from Mt. Olive this year.”

This cycle’s grant recipients are:
The Paramount Theatre Foundation – $15,000
Goldsboro Ballet – $6,500
StageStruck – $6,792
III Century Singers – $500
Starlight Dance Band – $500
Mt. Olive Downtown Development Corporation – $3,000
NC Pickle Festival – $2,500
The Well CDC – $1,000
Peggy Seegars Senior Center – $1,200
Wayne County Public Library – $700

Due to the high volume of applications, the subgrant review panel decided to award funds covering each applicant’s artistic contracts, with a focused emphasis on supporting artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

Our subgrant review panel is composed of a diverse group of community representatives.

“…[this] was an incredibly rewarding experience.” Fritz Knack, ACWC Board of Directors and subgrant review panel member said.

Anyone interested in being part of the subgrant review panel and/or applying to receive funds for 2025-2026, email Executive Director Anna Hinson at [email protected].