Santalla Pierce

As vice president of community and artist support, Santalla Pierce led ASC’s grant-making operations, board and staff management, community engagement, and strategic planning. His leadership helped secure $1.4 million from foundations and government entities to support ASC’s grantmaking, in addition to spearheading a $3.2 million investment framework in the local creative class.

ASC in Cornelius

Cornelius artist Meredith Connelly landed an $11,000 grant from the Arts & Sciences Council which invested $4.3 million in Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s creative sector last year.

Connelly lives down Torrence Chapel with three children and husband Mike Zak and has a

Connelly

studio overlooking Lake Norman. You may have seen her  fiberglass mushrooms lighting up the trails of the National Whitewater Center.

Background

Santalla Pierce was appointed interim president when ASC became a supporting organization of Foundation for the Carolinas. Formalized in September 2024, this partnership has already fueled significant investments in the creative community, helping create a sustainable and inclusive funding model for local arts and culture.

Since then, ASC has awarded its largest-ever class of Artist Support Grants – 97 grants totaling $279,000. Funded by Mecklenburg County, the North Carolina Arts Council and private contributions, the grants help emerging and established artists develop their craft, expand their businesses and reach new audiences.