Making connections, exploring opportunities and building a network when you are just starting your creative career can come with a steep learning curve.

Here at Charlotte Is Creative, the authors of The Biscuit, we do our best to make that easier by finding opportunities, sharing how to apply, helping you build a creative network and encouraging you to jump into the city’s creative culture.

The bottom line: we are calling on you, our readers, to share this with a local artist, friend, family member or colleague. Apply, take the leap and step into the culture of the Queen City.

Show up. Ask for what you need. Offer what you have. Make creative friends.

You’ve got this.

Here are a few opportunities to help you do just that:

CHARLOTTE RECIPROCITY CIRCLES
Saturday, May 16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Blume Studios | RSVP HERE

This event centers on social capital, the people you know, the resources you can access and the networks you can tap into.

Asking for what you need and offering what you have creates reciprocity and builds community. That is exactly what we do at Charlotte Reciprocity Circles.

Register for free to start your morning with a creative collision between two artists of different mediums, meet creatives and business owners from across the sector, introduce yourself in a small breakout group and leave with contact information for everyone in your circle.

It is a chance to ask for support, get career advice, soundboard ideas and, most importantly, follow up and follow through.

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS INITIATIVE (CEI) FALL COHORT 
APPLICATIONS OPEN TODAY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 
FROM: Charlotte Is Creative
APPLICATION HERE

Applications for the Fall 2026 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) cohort are open RIGHT NOW. The program selects 15 creatives for a 10-week program held twice a year, that provides individuals with insight, tools, and access to subject-matter experts to develop and grow their creative businesses. Class modules include such topics as:

• Finance & Budgeting
• Marketing & Storytelling⁣
• Legal Contracts & Entities
• Leadership Development
• And the sexiest topic of all, taxes!

Each participant is paid to attend, with a $1,500 grant awarded upon completion. It is much more than training. It is about connection and community building.

The money is nice, but artists walk away with a network of CEI alumni and cohort members to collaborate with, grow with and thrive with.

Check out the application, prepare yourself and submit by Friday, May 30.

Now, check out other local opportunities for you and your creative friends to apply to: 

Independent Picture House Poster Competition
From: Independent Picture House
Submission Deadline: May 10, 2026
Submit HERE

The Independent Picture House is hosting its annual poster competition, and there is only one week left to submit under the theme “Charlotte Loves Film.”

Selected designs will be featured on annual shirts and posters as chosen and voted on by the community. Winners will also receive a $150 stipend and a one-year membership to IPH.

Coined in the South
From: Young Affiliates of the Mint
Submission Deadline: July 16 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Submit HERE

The Young Affiliates of the Mint, in partnership with the Mint Museum, are hosting their biennial show, Coined in the South, in 2027 and have an open call for artists across the Southeast. This juried exhibition bridges the gap between galleries, studios and museums by showcasing thought-provoking work from emerging artists.

Submissions are open to artists working in a wide range of mediums, with past exhibitions featuring photography, visual art, installations, sculpture, works on paper and more. 

Perform at Confluence Conference
From: Music Everywhere | Confluence Conference
Due Date: May 13, 2026 
Submit HERE

All Carolina-based talent is welcome to submit music to participate in this year’s Confluence Conference. Hosted over three days, Oct. 8-10, artists from North and South Carolina are needed for paid sets at venues across Charlotte.

Each set is designed to highlight original music from local artists. Selected artists or groups will receive:

• A 20-40 minute set at a selected venue in Charlotte
• Access to exclusive lodging rates with partner hotels
• Five complimentary tickets to the Confluence Conference and concerts (for band members only)

For questions, reach out to music@confluencecarolinas.com.

Monarca Fellowship 
From: Carolina Migrant Network
Due Date: May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Submit HERE

The Monarca Fellowship is more than a training program. The Carolina Migrant Network is calling on immigrants and young first-generation students to build community and develop skills and strategies for organizing and activism.

Five to eight participants who are new to organizing will be selected for the nine-month fellowship. No organizing experience is necessary, but those with experience are encouraged to note it in their application. Fellows will be compensated a total of $2,000 for their participation.

For more information, reach out to maryjose@carolinamigrantnetwork.org.