The Arts

Gaspard&Dancers
Gaspard&Dancers

The Arts

The arts are essential to strong, vibrant communities. A dynamic cultural sector is a catalyst for growth, attracting and retaining businesses and visitors. They strengthen neighborhoods and communities by preserving the culture and memories of specific places and have a positive impact on health and well-being. The arts provide spaces to allow people from different backgrounds to engage with one another and opportunities to build community. Perhaps most importantly, they offer personal enjoyment to individuals, groups, and families, and give voice to the human condition.

We provide grants to:

  • Support and strengthen cultural organizations that demonstrate artistic excellence and elevate the profile of the Triangle’s art scenes, both locally and nationally.
  • Support new, emerging, or grassroots cultural organizations.
  • Support arts-focused organizations that work directly with artists to deepen and expand talent, develop professional and business skills, and/or create new works.
Artspace, Raleigh
Artspace, Raleigh

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

MDBF views our arts grantmaking through an equity lens. We are particularly interested in supporting organizations led by people of color, that incorporate arts accessibility into their work, and whose boards and staff reflect the diversity of the Triangle. By accessibility, we mean opportunities to encounter, appreciate, and participate in the arts. We support organizations that embrace and advance DEI practices and work towards equitable access and engagement in the arts.

Liberty Arts Iron Pour, Durham
(©2019 Kevin Seifert Photography)
Liberty Arts Iron Pour, Durham (©2019 Kevin Seifert Photography)

Grant Guidelines

Looking for the types of grants we offer and eligibility criteria?