The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County is southeastern North Carolina’s primary nonprofit arts agency, serving as the Grassroots Partner to the North Carolina Arts Council and acting as the arts agency of record for both the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County.
The agency administers several significant grant programs and awarded more than $300,000 to artists and arts organizations in FY 2024–2025. Through its creative placemaking initiatives, the Arts Council strengthens community engagement, enhances quality of life, and attracts cultural tourism to the region.
Popular programs include Pedestrian Art sculpture and mural installations, Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, and the Wilmington Theater Awards. The Arts Council also spearheaded efforts to fast-track the Wilmington Rail Trail, a key component of the City of Wilmington’s Downtown Trail network.
