Warren County is inviting residents to help shape a new public art piece by voting for their favorite mural design.

The poll opens this Friday, April 4, during the Statewide Star Party and will determine the artwork that will adorn the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center pool building. The mural will celebrate the history and legacy of Soul City, a pioneering planned community founded in the 1970s with a vision of Black empowerment and economic opportunity.

Residents can cast their votes online via the Warren County Government Facebook page or website, as well as in person at the Statewide Star Party on April 4 or at the Warren County Memorial Library. Voting will close on April 14, with the winning design announced via Facebook Live on April 17.

The mural is part of artist Max Dowdle’s Legacy NC project, an initiative aiming to create public murals in all 100 North Carolina counties. Each mural highlights local history and unsung heroes, weaving a visual narrative that connects communities across the state. The two designs up for consideration were developed through collaboration between Dowdle, a committee of Soul City residents and community leaders, and members of the Warren County arts community.

Beyond selecting the design, residents will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the mural’s creation. Community members are invited to take part in the painting process, further embedding local pride and participation into the project.

Details on how to sign up for the painting experience will be available soon on the Warren County Facebook page and website.

Known for crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, Warren County native Garrett Davis is bringing another profound stage production, Father Figure to the McGregor Hall stage on Sunday, February 2nd.

Centered around the importance of why fathers should be in the lives of their sons, Father Figure is branded as an “Edutainical(TM)” experience, which combines the emotional depth of live theatre with music and storytelling. In Father Figure, Davis highlights the impact of fatherlessness while offering hope, healing, and a path forward.

Gdavis Productions and Films, founded by Davis in 1994, is a leading theater company known for nationally touring stage plays that depict real-life situations, including Mama’s Girls and Forget Me Not.

Another Warren County native, Dartez Wright, once Davis’s student at Warren County High School and now serves as Creative Director, is also featured in the play.

Tickets for Father Figure are $20 (advance), $25 (day of show), and $15 (student), and are on sale now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557 or by calling the McGregor Hall office at (252) 598-0662. The box office will also open one hour before the show starts.

McGregor Hall is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, NC.

The North Carolina Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of its grant application period for the fiscal year 2025–2026. Starting January 6, 2025, arts organizations and artists across the state are invited to apply for funding to support projects that enhance the cultural landscape of North Carolina.

All applications must be submitted electronically by the deadline (Monday, March 3, 2025) unless otherwise specified in the grant guidelines. It’s important to note that applications will undergo a preliminary review by Arts Council staff; incomplete submissions or those not meeting evaluation criteria will not be considered for funding.

Funding Period:
For most grants, the funded activities should occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Applicants should be aware that award notifications may be delayed until the state budget is approved.

Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for funding, organizations must:
* Be a nonprofit in good standing with the state of North Carolina or have applied for nonprofit status using a fiscal agent.
* Have been producing quality arts programs for at least two consecutive years.
* Have prior-year organizational cash operating expenses of at least $20,000.

Additionally, all applicants are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, which can be obtained through Sam.gov.

Grant Categories:

The Arts Council offers a variety of grant opportunities, including:
* Grants for Organizations: Supporting arts organizations in delivering programs that engage audiences and reflect their communities.
* Grants for Artists: Providing project grants to individual artists to pursue projects that further their artistic and professional development.

Applicants are encouraged to review the specific guidelines and eligibility criteria for each grant category to determine the best fit for their projects.

Application Assistance:
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure all materials are completed and submitted by the March 3 deadline.

For more information and to access the online application portal, visit the North Carolina Arts Council’s official website.

The North Carolina Arts Council is dedicated to supporting the state’s vibrant arts community and looks forward to funding projects that contribute to the cultural enrichment of North Carolina.