Do Yourself A Favor And Hit Submit!

Hey there, Biscuit readers! Makayla Binter here.

Before I share all these opportunities and calls with you, your creative friends and your family members, I want to offer my two cents on submitting applications.

Whenever I start to overthink a submission, question whether I should apply for a project or get nervous about hitting submit, I remind myself: “The worst they can say is no.”

How can I question my abilities, worth or creativity as an artist if I never give myself the chance to be considered locally, regionally or nationally?

So, from one artist to another: Hit SUBMIT!

Start here:

ASC CHARLOTTE
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT GRANT
Priority Deadline: Oct. 5
MORE INFORMATION

Established Charlotte-Mecklenburg nonprofits with a primary mission in arts, science, history or heritage can apply for funding to support one-time projects that strengthen their organizations. Eligible projects may improve management or fundraising practices, provide professional development for staff or board members, or increase operating efficiency.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is allocated, with preference given to those received by Oct. 5.

BRYANT PARK PUBLIC ART RFQ
Deadline: Oct. 15
MORE INFORMATION

ASC is seeking an artist to create an interactive public art experience at Lover’s Leap, a gathering space in Bryant Park connected to local folklore and community storytelling.

Proposals may include sculpture, seating, paving treatments, wayfinding or other integrated elements. The total project budget is $130,492, including artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, permitting and installation.

CULTURE BLOCKS CALENDAR
EXPLORE THE CALENDAR

Looking for arts, culture, history and science events in Mecklenburg County? Explore performances, workshops, exhibitions, festivals and other events presented by Culture Blocks-funded organizations. Explore the calendar to build out your creative plans for the weekend.

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS INITIATIVE OPEN CLASSES
Sept. 28-Oct. 19 | Times Vary
Do Greater West | 2400 Greenland Ave.
LEARN MORE

A few more free classes remain open to community members as part of the fall 2026 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) cohort. Sharpen up your creative business skills at these upcoming sessions:

• Monday, Sept. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m.: The Legalities with Karen Schuller Boardman of Alignment Legal
• Monday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m.: Pricing With Purpose & Small Business Basics with Kailey Izard Welsh
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m.: Grant Writing with Iván V. Garnica of the Arts & Science Council
• Monday, Oct. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m.: It’s Your Creativity: Market It! with Makayla Binter of Charlotte Is Creative

No advance registration is required, so come as you are and dive in.

And it doesn’t stop there:

APPLY FOR THE SPRING 2027 
CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS INITIATIVE COHORT
Applications Open: Sept. 30

The CEI is a cohort-based capacity-building program that equips creative practitioners with the business knowledge, professional networks and practical tools they need to transform their artistic talents into viable small businesses.

Twice a year, 15 artists and creatives from across Mecklenburg County are selected to strengthen their skills as business owners and entrepreneurs.

Get ready! Applications open Sept. 30.

CHARLOTTE IS CREATIVE + THE ARTISAN’S PALATE
CALL FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
Deadline: Oct. 18
SUBMIT HERE

Charlotte Is Creative and The Artisan’s Palate are seeking four to five Charlotte-based artists who are new to exhibiting locally for a December gallery show.

Artists working in any medium may submit original, finished 2D artwork that is ready to hang and appropriate for a public, family-friendly space. Selected artists will be featured throughout December, participate in an opening reception and have the opportunity to sell their work.

TOSCO MUSIC PRESENTS: FABFEST CHARLOTTE
CALL FOR YOUTH ART
Deadline: Sept. 25
SUBMIT HERE

Artists ages 17 and younger have only a few days left to submit artwork exploring the Beatles’ influence on music, art and culture for FabFest Charlotte.

From psychedelic style to cultural revolution, artists may interpret how the Beatles shaped, and were shaped by, the world around them. All themes from the era are welcome!

MOORESVILLE ARTS
CALL FOR YOUTH ART
Deadline: Sept. 25 and Nov. 2
MORE INFORMATION

Mooresville Arts invites members and nonmembers to apply for two winter exhibitions presented together in the Center Gallery:

KALEIDOSCOPE
Artists working in any medium may submit artwork interpreting the question, “What is a kaleidoscope?” Fifty pieces will be selected for the exhibition.

BE SEATED
Artists are invited to transform functional chairs into original works of visual art. Ten chairs will be selected and used as gallery seating throughout the exhibition.

A ticketed opening reception will be held Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m.

DOAP EVENTS
5-YEAR DOAPIVERSARY CONCERT
Deadline: Sept. 29
SUBMIT HERE

DOAP Events is seeking small businesses and makers for its fifth-anniversary concert Oct. 10 at Crown Station in NoDa. Approved vendor spaces are $55, and selections will be made on a rolling basis through Sept. 29.

You can also comment “VEND” on the original Instagram post to apply HERE.

ONEBAND #24: Produced by Charlotte Is Creative and Jambox. Powered by Divine Barrel Brewing and Sonorous Wave.
MUSICIANS WANTED
Rehearsal: Oct. 25 | Performance: Oct. 29
SUBMIT HERE

Musicians of every instrument and experience level are invited to join OneBand’s spooky, one-of-a-kind musical experiment. Participants will learn seven songs during one three-hour rehearsal, perform them together once and then disband forever.

This month’s setlist features music by Little Richard, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Dolly Parton, My Chemical Romance and more. Chord and lyric sheets will be provided. The only requirements are a love of music and a willingness to embrace connection, not perfection!

TOSCO MUSIC PRESENTS FABFEST CHARLOTTE
FABFEST COVER SONG CONTEST
Deadline: Sept. 28
MORE INFORMATION HERE

Put your own spin on a Beatles song for a chance to perform at FabFest Charlotte on Oct. 3 at Central Piedmont’s Parr Center.

Submit a performance video to enter. First-round performers take the stage at 2 p.m., followed by finalists at 4 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners.

CONFLUENCE MUSIC CONFERENCE
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Conference: Oct. 7-9 | Music Fest: Oct. 8-10
MORE INFORMATION HERE