The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is accepting grant applications from regional artists. Individuals residing for a year or more in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson or Scotland counties are eligible to apply. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m., Aug. 28, at the Arts Council, 301 Hay St., Fayetteville.

Guidelines, forms and information about grant writing workshops can be downloaded at www.theartscouncil.com or call (910) 323-1776.

"A wise investment in the arts" wrote ophthalmologist Alan W. Brown, M.D. in his letter of recommendation for visual artist Mio Reynolds. Last year, Reynolds was one of the many exceptionally talented artists who received funding through the Regional Artist Project Grant. This grant made it possible for her to prepare for a second art show.

So, why did Brown think that investing in the work of Reynolds was wise? Because she was seeking to use the proceeds from her art to help fund academic scholarships. He asked, "What better way for your grant money to be 'passed along' than to help Mio?" In part, Reynolds received the grant because of her commitment to art and her proven track record of professional development.

"Not everyone who applies for a grant is approved," says Arts Council Executive Director Deborah Martin Mintz. "Out of the 59 applications considered by the grants panel last year, 14 were funded."

This entire grant process requires the artist to submit a great deal of documentation, work samples and a feasibility plan. Next, a panel of art professionals, educators and administrators from surrounding counties meet to consider each proposal with their recommendations sent to the Arts Council's Board of Trustees for final approval. This year the board awarded, or as Brown referred to it, "invested" $20,845.

Championing the arts is the Arts Council's top priority.

"We know that investing in the arts is investing in the future of our community," says Mintz. "Art inspires, it encourages, it provides an outlet for emotions and it gives people a way to make a living."

According to Arts North Carolina, communities that support the arts on average see a return on investment of more than $7 for every $1 invested.

Regional Artist Project Grants provide assistance to a broad range of visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artists. These may be individuals or unincorporated groups of collaborating artists. They must have a professional commitment to art and seek to advance their professional artistic development backed by a strong record of artistic accomplishment appropriate to the stage of their careers.

The following workshops have been scheduled to help artists with the grant writing process:

n Cumberland County, Thursday, July 31, 5:30 p.m., Arts Council, 301 Hay St., Fayetteille.

n Moore County, Monday, Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m., Arts Council, Campbell House, 482 E Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines.

n New Hanover County, Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m., Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, 814 Market St., Wilmington.

n Richmond County, Saturday, Aug. 9, 5:30 p.m., Cole Auditorium, U.S. 74, Hamlet.

n Robeson County, Tuesday, July 1, 5:30 p.m., Lumberton City Hall, Cedar Street, Lumberton.

The applicant may be an emerging or established artist and as a general rule should have completed some basic education in his/her art form. A deserving applicant will have a strong record of artistic accomplishment appropriate to the stage of his/her career. Applicants may receive full or partial funding.

Individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible. Applicants must currently reside in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson or Scotland counties and must have maintained residency in one of these counties for one year immediately preceding the application date. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Previous award winners cannot apply in consecutive years.