Johnston County Arts Council

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

2026-27 Grassroots Arts Program Accepting Applications
The Johnston County Arts Council is now accepting applications for Grassroots Grants Arts Program subgrants through Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Johnston County Arts Council serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Johnston County.
Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Johnston County. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations, arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county. Projects must occur between July 1, 2026 – June 1, 2027.
Grant applications are evaluated by a diverse panel. Awards will be announced in early October.
For grant guidelines and requirements, and application forms email [email protected]. Applications must be in the Johnston County Art Council’s office by September 3, 2026.
For questions or more information, contact Executive Director, Darlene Williford at [email protected]

08/03/2026

2026-27 Grassroots Arts Program Accepting Applications
The Johnston County Arts Council is now accepting applications for Grassroots Grants Arts Program subgrants through Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Johnston County Arts Council serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Johnston County.
Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Johnston County. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations, arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county. Projects must occur between July 1, 2026 – June 1, 2027.
Grant applications are evaluated by a diverse panel. Awards will be announced in early October.
For grant guidelines and requirements, and application forms can be found on our website at www.jcartscouncil.org. Applications must be in the Johnston County Art Council’s office by September 3, 2026.
For questions or more information, contact Executive Director, Darlene Williford at [email protected]

06/10/2026

Join us for the 42nd season of Music for the Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, June 17th at 12:15pm. Location is First Presbyterian Church on 215 South Third Street in Smithfield, NC. Our first performer is Kwan Ye.

05/26/2026

The 42nd year of Music for the Lunch Bunch begins June 17th and is back this year with six scheduled performance dates. The Music for the Lunch Bunch is a series of summer concerts held every Wednesday, at 12:15 pm, featuring local artists performing a variety of music, with particular emphasis on classical music. The concert series is grassroots funded by the Johnston County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. There is no admission charge but donations are accepted. ALL performances will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield.

05/22/2026

Summer Art classes return to Benson Parks and Recreation in June and July! Check out the flyer in this post for more info!

📝 To register, head over to instructor Allie Cocolin-Tracy's page or Instagram and message her.

▶️ Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/allie.cocolintracy

▶️ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalimpressionsbyallie/

☎️ Need help signing up? Call Parks at 919-894-5117

05/12/2026

Enter Art and Photography Exhibition for America250- Johnston County