Cultural Arts Grant Program

The Cultural Arts Grant Program is administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc. on behalf of the City of Lubbock to support cultural and artistic initiatives that enhance tourism and strengthen the city’s identity as a regional center for arts and entertainment. The program is funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax, a revenue stream generated from lodging establishments such as hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Because these funds are governed by the State of Texas Tax Code, they are restricted to uses that directly promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry, while also supporting the arts and humanities. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to established Lubbock-based nonprofit organizations that are producing projects capable of attracting visitors and increasing overnight stays in the city. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear connection to tourism promotion and must incorporate artistic or cultural elements such as music, dance, visual arts, literature, or related disciplines. Projects must also be open to the general public and take place within the city limits of Lubbock, Texas, ensuring that funded activities contribute directly to the local economy and community engagement. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and is subject to strict use limitations. The program does not support general operating expenses, travel costs, debt reduction, capital improvements, or political activities. Instead, funds must be used exclusively for project-related expenses that align with the approved proposal. Applicants are required to match awarded funds on a one-to-one basis, with a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, although in-kind contributions may not exceed a specified portion of the total match. This requirement ensures that recipient organizations demonstrate financial commitment and leverage additional resources to support their projects. The application process includes submission of a comprehensive proposal that outlines project details, budget information, and supporting documentation. First-time applicants are required to attend a mandatory workshop and complete a pre-application review with program staff prior to submission. Applications are evaluated by the Cultural Arts Grant Review Committee based on criteria including artistic merit, tourism impact, marketing efforts, and organizational capability. Final funding decisions are approved by the City Council following recommendations from Civic Lubbock, Inc. For the 2026 grant cycle, applications are due by June 1, 2026. Funded projects must take place within a defined performance period beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2027. Award notifications occur after the review and approval process is completed, and funding is distributed in two phases, with an initial payment followed by a final disbursement contingent upon submission of required evaluation reports and documentation. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications accepted once per year. Organizations receiving funding must comply with reporting requirements, maintain financial records, and submit a final evaluation report within a specified timeframe after project completion. Failure to meet reporting or matching requirements may result in reduced funding or ineligibility for future grant opportunities. The program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that public funds are used effectively to promote tourism and enrich the cultural landscape of Lubbock.

Prioritize demonstrating tourism impact and overnight visitor generation as this is a key evaluation factor and ensure strong marketing plans beyond the local region