ASC & Foundation Formalize Partnership, Increase Funding for Local Arts and Culture Organizations
"We're excited that ASC has officially joined forces with the Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC) to strengthen our commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive cultural ecosystem for Charlotte-Mecklenburg! As part of this partnership, ASC will continue to steward funding from the City and County to support arts, culture, and science organizations in our community. ASC will also continue to serve as an advocate, resource hub, and funder for local organizations, individual artists, cultural education, and festivals. While this funding is a crucial step forward, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To truly nurture our creative ecosystem, community support through donations remains essential. Your contributions and continued support allow us to expand our reach, foster innovation, and ensure equitable access to culture for all. Together, we can continue building a vibrant, thriving community!"
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Arts and Science Council and Foundation For The Carolinas recently finalized a new partnership to create a sustainable and inclusive funding model for local arts and culture. Under the new partnership, ASC is now a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas.
Made possible through $21 million in public funding from Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, the partnership is designed to continue and enhance ASC’s longstanding work to create a vibrant arts and cultural community for all. The move also aligns with the City of Charlotte’s 2023 cultural plan. ASC is also funded by private donations from numerous organizations and individuals.
“The ASC and Foundation For The Carolinas are longtime community partners, and we are pleased to begin this new chapter to create even more possibilities for our arts and culture community,” said Foundation CEO Cathy Bessant. “Together, our two organizations are stronger, and this new partnership will bring greater resources to our diverse local arts, cultural and science organizations throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.”
The structure builds on the longstanding work of the ASC to sustain and support arts, science and cultural programs. The new organization structure allows ASC to continue focusing on this critical work and retain its identity, while benefiting from the managerial and back-office support of the Foundation.
“The ASC is thrilled and fortunate to be able to join forces with an organization of the Foundation’s caliber,” said ASC Board Chair Tony Perez. “We will continue to support organizations, cultural education, individual artists and cultural festivals. Our public and private donors are committed to providing access for everyone to arts and cultural experiences that educate, entertain and enhance their quality of life.”
Other details of the partnership include:
- ASC will continue delivering local grantmaking to organizations of all sizes and individuals, as well as other core programs, with FFTC providing managerial, administrative and back-office support.
- ASC’s primary funding sources for its grantmaking will be budgeted annual contributions from Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. ASC expects to continue raising funds through individual and corporate giving and other sources.
- ASC will also maintain a Grants Board consisting of cultural professionals and other stakeholders that will be responsible for evaluating and making recommendations for grants.
For more information about ASC: ArtsAndScience.org; for more information about Foundation For The Carolinas: FFTC.org.