South Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, offers multiple funding programs. Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for a community residency of three days or more. The residency must include at least three in-person or live, virtual public activities with a minimum of four hours of artist engagement spread across the three activities. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:
Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host/partner organization. Projects must include public activities that offer access to arts programming by Southern artists (this can include public performances, screenings, readings, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, lectures, facilitated discussions, and/or master classes).
South Arts welcomes professionals and leaders in the arts field from our nine-state region to serve as panelists for our grant program. The effectiveness and integrity of our grant program depend on the work of our advisory panels. Panels ensure that evaluations and funding decisions are informed and that all applicants are fairly treated.
Panels will be comprised of several panelists who have demonstrated experience or expertise in at least one of the major arts disciplines (music, dance, theater, poetry, fiction literature, creative nonfiction literature, animation, documentary film, experimental film, fictional film, traditional arts, crafts, drawing, experimental visual art, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture).
Panel meetings will be held in a virtual format (via tablet and computer) in October. Panelists are not expected to travel; however, each panelist must be able to commit to a brief orientation/training session, independent review and evaluation of applications (via our online reviewer portal), and two hours of panel discussion. Panelists will receive an honorarium based on the number of applications.
To nominate yourself as a panelist for the grant program, please complete our online form.
Submitted nominations will be held for consideration for two years. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nikki Estes at 404-874-7244 x816. Thank you for your interest in our panel process.