Investing in the Future of Creativity: Meet ASC’s 2026 Emerging Creator and Creative Renewal Fellows
As Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s trusted local arts agency, the Arts & Science Council believes that investing directly in creative individuals strengthens our region’s cultural ecosystem. Further, we know that sustaining a vibrant cultural community means investing directly in its artists.
To this end, ASC developed the Emerging Creator and Creative Renewal Fellowships, which focus on giving local artists and creatives an opportunity to explore new methodologies, to experience a resurgence of holistic creativity, and to broaden pathways towards artistic expression.
ASC is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of Emerging Creator and Creative Renewal recipients. These awards are offered via support from the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Emerging Creator Fellows
- Cat Babbie, Visual Artist
- Johari Huggins, Visual Artist
- Kingsley Amiah, Musician
- Kate Frost, Visual Artist
- LaDara McKinnon, Visual Artist
- Matthew Laczko, Visual Artist
- Olivia Dorsey, Writer/Literary Artist
- Brooke Shaffner, Writer/Literary Artist
- Latoya Taylor, Filmmaker/Media Artist
- Zulynette Morales, Writer/Literary Artist
Creative Renewal Fellows
- Alex Sulikowski, Visual Artist
- A.J. Riggins, Fillmmaker/Media Artist
- Ashley Tate, Dance
- Bryan Wilson, Visual Artist
- Patrice Gopo, Writer/Literary Artist
- Marek Ranis, Visual Artist
- Margaret Maurice, Musician
- Kim Jones, Dance
- Randy Morales, Visual Artist
- Sean Mason, Musician
Over the next 365 days, these artists and creatives will take a bold and brave step towards artistic self-actualization, and ASC is proud to support them on their journeys. Congratulations to our 2026 class of Emerging Creator and Creative Renewal Fellows!
Applications for the next cohort of Emerging Creator and Creative Renewals fellows are expected to open in early 2027.
For more information about grants available from ASC, visit artsandscience.org
ABOUT ASC
The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural leader, serving as a resource hub, funder, and advocate for arts, science, and history.
A supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas, ASC champions local creatives by investing in the arts, sciences, and culture to drive economic growth, community retention, and cultural engagement.
Our mission is to build inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich communities where creativity drives belonging, growth, and opportunity. From artist support grants and public art stewardship to free Culture Blocks events and partnerships with local schools and universities, ASC invests in a thriving, accessible creative ecosystem for all.
