Host Your Event at Salt & Souls for free
The Arts & Science Council’s Venue Access Grant announces 2027 programming applications for Charlotte Creatives and Nonprofits – Applications open now through September 22nd @ noon
“The Venue Access Grant is designed to alleviate financial barriers for Mecklenburg County’s creatives, enabling them to utilize publicly and privately owned venues for cultural programming rooted in arts, science, history, or heritage. This grant funding, provided solely by Mecklenburg County, aims to provide access to affordable space for the creation and experience of arts and culture, fostering a more vibrant and active cultural landscape across the county.”
Salt & Souls is thrilled to be an official eligible venue for the Charlotte Arts & Science Council's Venue Access Grant. This grant could enable you to rent our unique and inspiring space free of charge!
We would love to host your creative project at Salt & Souls, and we hope this grant helps make the project you’ve been dreaming about a reality.
-
Apply via the Arts & Science Council website. Applications will open Monday, August 24, 2026 and close Tuesday, September 22, 2026, both at noon. Applicants may expect notification of approval or declination by November 16, 2026. Description text goes here
-
Events must take place between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.
-
Grant amounts up to $10k for creative individuals and $20k for nonprofit organizations will be offered based on the applying individual’s venue selection and anticipated audience size (and a historical example to support this estimate).
-
We are here to help! Visit our Venue Rental tab for everything you need to know about renting the Salt Cave or Tea Lounge..
Grant Highlights
Helpful Application Form Details
The grant application has several questions related to the specifics of venue at Salt & Souls. Here is some helpful information as you fill out the form.
1. Accessibility Plan: The application will ask you about our venue’s accessibility. You can use the text below to answer that question.
The main entrance, Salt Cave, Tea Lounge, and community space have ADA compliant ramps for wheelchairs. The venue also has a fully compliant ADA bathroom complete with accessible toilet and sink.
2. Rental Matrix: Of the two drop-down options, choose “Tier 1 – 300 audience members or less.” Our maximum capacity is 12-15 people.
3. Invoice or quote from venue listing itemized expenses: We will supply this document to you. You can use the invoice that we will send you for the expenses.
4. Signed MOU: An MOU is a memorandum of understanding. We will supply this to you. It is a signed document saying that we are aware of your request for venue access, we are supportive of your project, and we are currently holding the dates you have requested on our calendar pending acceptance or rejection of the grant.
Looking to rent Salt & Souls for an event not covered by the Venue Access Grant? Or a Private Party? Visit our Venue Rental & Private Parties page for all the options and details!