ASC Announces 2026 Opening of the Regional Artist Directory
For more than two decades, the Arts & Science Council has managed the public art programs for the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, programs that dedicate 1% of eligible capital improvement project budgets to public art. This long-standing commitment has shaped the cultural landscape of our community and created meaningful opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers.
Those opportunities have always included international and national artists, but the Regional Artist Directory was created to intentionally elevate local and regional talent.
“We launched the directory in 2020 to expand access for North and South Carolina–based artists,” said Todd Stewart, ASC’s vice president of public art. “The driving force behind this effort is equity. We want more local artists to have a real pathway into public art.”
Now entering its next cycle, the 2026 Regional Artist Directory is officially open for applications.
What the Directory Does
The directory is an internal, juried resource that currently features more than 70 artists. It is used to match North and South Carolina artists with public art opportunities, specifically projects with budgets up to $100,000.
“Being part of the directory significantly increases your likelihood of receiving a public art commission,” Stewart said. “It’s an incredible tool for both artists and the community.”
ASC staff use the directory to recommend prequalified artists to the Public Art Commission (PAC) on a project-by-project basis. When a new opportunity arises, staff review the directory, identify a group of artists with the right skills, and convene a selection panel to make the final choice. This process has dramatically streamlined artist selection and expanded access for emerging and established artists alike.
Just ask Bree Stalling, a local visual artist and the creator of Generations of Growth, a captivating mural at the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center, and a project that was completed using the Regional Artist Directory.
“Joining the Regional Artist Directory led directly to my selection for the Naomi Drenan mural—one of the most impactful projects of my career—without a formal application,” said Stallings. (The Regional Artist Directory) creates real access, connecting artists to meaningful opportunities while strengthening Charlotte’s cultural ecosystem through visibility, trust, and artists’ ability to connect with communities through curiosity, leadership, and beautification.”
🎨 Who Should Apply
If you’re an artist who has never worked in public art, Stewart encourages you to apply.
“We’re not requiring previous public art experience,” he said. “Experience is helpful, but it’s not a prerequisite. This directory is also about building capacity.”
Artists who were included in previous directories must reapply. A new directory is assembled every two years, and ASC encourages artists to showcase their most current work.
📝 How to Apply
Submitting qualifications is free through SlideRoom. To be eligible, artists must:
- Reside in North Carolina or South Carolina
- Complete the online application
- Submit work samples demonstrating the ability to create dynamic, site-specific artworks and/or design connected to place or community
- Show evidence of professional competence and experience collaborating with architects, landscape architects, designers, or community members
ASC staff will pre-screen applications for eligibility. A panel of arts professionals and community stakeholders will review all eligible submissions. Artists selected for the directory will be notified in July 2026.
📅 Application Window
Applications are open from April 20th through June 1, 2026.
The directory will be used on a rolling basis to match artists with opportunities throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The next application cycle will open in 2028.
Please note: Inclusion in the ASC Regional Artist Directory does not guarantee a commission.
For more information about the Regional Artist Directory, click here.
To view all open Calls to Public Artists, click here.
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.
