High Point Arts Council's (HPAC) Creative Space Access Grant Program (CSA) is a community-focused initiative that supports local artists and arts organizations by providing much-needed venue space at Centennial Station Arts Center. HPAC aims to remove financial barriers to creation, foster artistic growth and innovation, and build a vibrant, inclusive arts community. ​

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Program Goals

Accessibility: Provide no-cost or low-cost space to artists and creatives from all backgrounds

Equity: Prioritize underrepresented and marginalized artists

Community Engagement: Encourage collaboration, public events, and workshops that connect artists with our local community 

Sustainability: Build a replicable and scalable model for long-term community arts access

 

Program Components

Venue Access - Centennial Station Arts Center

• Free access to shared or private spaces (performance, rehearsal, workspace, etc.)

• Flexible scheduling system based on venue availability (up to 4-week residency blocks)

• Open to nonprofit art organizations, individual artists, or art collectives

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Artist Support

• Versatile space opportunities for performances, workshops, exhibitions, presentations, or rehearsals

• Orientation and dedicated staff liaison 

• Access to professional services (sound, lights, technical staff, etc.) provided by approved HPAC contractors at a rate of $50 per hour per tech. 

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Community Events

• Open Studio 

• Artist-led Workshops/Talks/or Master Classes

• Final Showcase or Public Presentation

• Partnership or Collaboration Opportunities 

 

Eligibility

• Artists/Creatives aged 21+

• Art Collectives/Partnerships or 501(c)(3) Arts and Culture Organizations

• Based in Guilford and Randolph Counties, North Carolina 

• Demonstrated Artistic Practice

• Applications are accepted based on expected community impact and need (community impact is how your project/event or organization helps people in Guilford County 

• Commitment to community engagement and program participation

• Events/performances must be available to the general public and serve a clear community impact service 

• Proposals must align with the High Point Arts Council's mission

• Grantees must not discriminate against any member of the public in the use of HPAC facilities on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, religion, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.

• Organizations that already receive in-kind support from the High Point Arts Council are not eligible to apply

 

Ineligible Projects

• Projects that support or oppose a particular candidate for public office

• Projects that are exclusive to members of a particular religious faith group

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Conflict of Interest

• Current board and staff members of the High Point Arts Council and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.

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General Grant Guidelines

• Access to the building will be permitted only during regular operational hours unless prior approval by HPAC Management

• Grantees are not permitted in restricted areas such as HPAC administrative offices, etc. 

• Use of tables/chairs must be requested in advance

• All promotional materials must include the High Point Arts Council grantee logo and website link

• Events that are religious or political in nature are not eligible for consideration.

• This grant program provides in-kind support only and does not include any direct financial contribution. 

• Selected grantees will have access to professional services (sound, lights, technical staff, etc.) provided by approved HPAC contractors at a rate of $50 per hour per tech. 

• The Creative Space Access Grant period covers programs and events scheduled between January and December 2027. Please note that holidays, high-demand HPAC rental periods, and previously scheduled program dates are not eligible for use.

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Application Process

• Online application opens April 17, 2026

• Application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm

• Review by a panel of artists and community members

• Focus on artistic merit, community relevance, HPAC mission alignment, and space needs

• HPAC Staff will determine space availability 

 

This is a competitive grant program. Applicants will be notified of the status of their proposal in September 2026,  and if not awarded, can reapply the following year. Grant awardees cannot apply for two years consecutively. For additional information, please contact Catena Bergevin, Executive Director, at director@highpointarts.org ​​
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