RALEIGH – The 2013-2014 grant guidelines for various art organizations are now available on the North Carolina Arts Council's website, and the deadline to apply is March 1 at 5 p.m.

The grants are designed to support arts organizations and artists who contribute to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of local communities throughout the state and are administered by the N.C. Arts Council.

Arts Council grants catalyze support from corporations, foundations and local governments generating almost $17 in matching funds for every $1 invested. Arts Council-funded projects attract more than 9.2 million participants and over 2.5 million of these are children. The grants support exhibitions, concerts, theater, dance productions, festivals, literary events, community art projects, artist residencies in schools and many other things.

To be eligible to receive grants, organizations must have been producing quality arts programs for at least two consecutive years. All applications must be electronically submitted, including support materials.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.ncarts.org or call 919-807-6500.