Rent The Long Room for free!
Special Venue Access Grant now available for Charlotte Creatives and Nonprofits
The Long Room is thrilled to be an official eligible venue for the Charlotte Arts & Science Council's brand new Venue Access Grant! This grant could enable you to rent our beautiful space free of charge!
Applications are open!
“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.”
We would love to host your creative project at The Long Room, and we hope this grant will enable you to launch the endeavor you have been dreaming about!
See more information for
CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS→
See more information for
NONPROFIT ORGS→
Grant Highlights
How do applications work?
1
Apply via the Arts & Science Council website. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with preference to applications received by Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Applications open on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
When can my event take place?
2
Events must take place: Between September 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026.
How much funding is allowed?
3
Grant amounts up to $10k will be offered based on the applying individual’s venue selection and anticipated audience size (and a historical example to support this estimate).
Where can I learn more about what The Long Room offers in its rentals?
4
Great question! Visit our Rentals page for everything you need to know about renting The Long Room.
Helpful Application Form Details
The grant application has several questions related to The Long Room. Here are some texts that will be helpful to you 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.
Both the main entrance to The Long Room and the dance floor have ADA compliant ramps for wheelchairs. The venue also has a fully compliant ADA bathroom complete with accessible toilet and sink, as well as a baby changing station.
2. Rental Matrix: Of the two drop-down options, choose “Tier 1 – 300 audience members or less.” Our maximum capacity is 150 people.
3. Invoice or quote from venue listing itemized expenses: We will supply this document to you. You can use the Event rental contract that we will send for you to sign.
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 The Long Room for an event not covered by the Venue Access Grant? Visit our Rent page for all the details!
Explore the different spaces and usages of The Long Room and find out rental details for any occasion.