Public Art Major Grant and Mini Grant

Note: All Major and Mini Grant applications must be submitted online using the eGRANT system. (But plan ahead – some portions must be sent or delivered, as well!)

Download the eGRANT tutorial for instructions on how to use the new system (4 MG ).

Iowa Arts Council Public Art Major Grants and Mini Grants assist applicants in planning and implementing new public art projects and programs that are accessible to Iowans.

What is Public Art?

• Public art is artwork designed by an artist and located in the public realm. Public Art can be permanent or temporary. Public art takes many forms, including freestanding sculptures, murals, fountains, kinetic pieces that move and react to the environment, and artist-designed functional elements such as doors, gates, fencing, lighting fixtures, street furniture and bridges. Public art can be artwork that is integrated into landscape treatments, sidewalks, trails, street intersections, terrazzo floors and walls.
• Public Art often involves a process that builds relationships, solves problems, interacts with the public, and builds consensus. It is a special type of engagement, often affecting a very broad and diverse spectrum of people.
• Public Art has the potential to reach new audiences and engage the public in ways that traditional art forms simply cannot.
• Public Art "adds value" to civic and private development and infrastructure projects, increasing their value to the public and the community.
• Public Art can include "place-specific" installations responding to elements or characteristics found in a particular location.

Eligible types of requests

1. Public Art Planning Grants: Requests to develop a new public art master plan or a “% for Art” ordinance. Eligible expenses include the public art consultant’s fees and expenses, expenses to conduct public meetings and forums, and documentation and distribution of the final product.

2. Public Art Grants: Requests to plan a new public art project. All of the following phases must be part of the proposal: 1) planning phase, 2) artist selection phase, 3) design proposal and approval phase.

3. Temporary Public Art Grants: Requests to assist artists and organizations to plan and implement new temporary public art projects.

Grant Amount

You may request up to $10,000 for a Major Grant or up to $1,500 for a Mini Grant, but no more than 50 percent of the total expenses of the project.