Got a place in Chatham that won’t leave your mind?

Share it with us through this year’s JumpstART Commissions (performing, visual or literary arts)! THE THEME For Local Ground: The Places of Chatham We invite you to choose a place in Chatham County and let it be the muse for your work. It could be a familiar landmark, an overlooked corner, a gathering spot, a road, a building, a body of water, a patch of woods—or even a place that has changed or disappeared. We want to know what gives that place meaning: the people and stories that shaped it, how it makes people feel, and what it reveals about Chatham County’s past, present, or future. JumpstART commissions performing, visual, and literary artists to create small- to medium-sized projects and share them with the public. A few things to know: - You must live in Chatham County, NC. - Individuals and collaborative groups can apply. At least one member of a collaborative group must live in Chatham County. - Students can apply with parent or caregiver permission. - Past JumpstART artists can apply again. - There’s no financial-need requirement this year. KEY DATES: October 4, 2026 — Proposals open November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. — Deadline December 15, 2026 — Awards announced April 25, 2027 — JumpstART Walkabout at ClydeFEST Selected artists must be available for the full ClydeFEST event, including set-up at 11 a.m., the event from noon–4 p.m., and breakdown at 4 p.m. So, what place in Chatham has a story to tell? Read the full call for proposals and apply at the link in our bio. Photo credit: @andreaakin Photo 1: @mande.music Photo 2: Artist @robinhallwrites Photo 3: Artist @tanjalipinskicoleartist, featuring Pam Smith Photo 4: Artist @eander71 featuring Mary Nettles #JumpstART #ChathamArts #ChathamCountyNC