Art Tag Grant Program

The Art Tag Grant Program is administered by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Arts Council of Alachua County, which serves as the designated Local Arts Agency for the region. The program is funded through a combination of contributions from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County and revenues generated from State of the Arts specialty license plate sales. Together, these funding sources create a pool of approximately 14000 dollars to be distributed during the fiscal cycle. The initiative is rooted in the county’s Public Arts Ordinance, which establishes art as an integral component of community life and emphasizes its role in enhancing quality of life, strengthening cultural awareness, and supporting economic vitality. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support the creation and expansion of public art projects that increase access to diverse artistic experiences across Alachua County, particularly in underserved communities. The program seeks to foster cultural entrepreneurship, stimulate the creative economy, and build connections between artists, organizations, and local governments. Eligible projects may include visual arts, music, and other creative endeavors that contribute to public engagement and community storytelling. Funding is available to individual artists, artist collaborators, nonprofit arts organizations, and specific incorporated municipalities within Alachua County. Individual artists, collaborators, and nonprofits may receive awards of up to 3000 dollars, while eligible cities may receive up to 5000 dollars. Funds may be used for a variety of project-related expenses, including art supplies, advertising and promotion, studio time, printing, equipment, and other necessary costs directly tied to the execution of the proposed project. All awarded funds must be used within the designated performance period, and reimbursement and reporting requirements must be completed by the end of that period. Applicants are required to submit their applications electronically through the County’s Public Procurement Portal. Registration in the portal is mandatory prior to submission. Applications must include all required documentation in the specified formats, typically as properly labeled PDF files. Submissions must be completed before the stated deadline, and late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines, and all submission costs are borne by the applicant. The evaluation process is conducted by the Arts Council of Alachua County, which reviews applications during its scheduled meeting and makes funding recommendations to the County Commission. The County retains the authority to accept or reject applications, request modifications, or award funding based on what best serves the community’s interests. Evaluation criteria emphasize the project’s artistic merit, community impact, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s mission to enhance cultural vitality. The application period for this funding cycle opens on July 1, 2026, and closes at midnight on July 31, 2026. Following review in September, approved projects enter a performance period beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. All final reports and reimbursement requests are due by the end of this performance period. The program operates on an annual cycle, reflecting recurring funding opportunities aligned with the county’s fiscal year. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Kimberly McKinney, Senior Staff Assistant for Alachua County, via phone at 3525483766 or email at kmckinney@alachuacounty.gov. The program reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to integrating arts into public life and supporting local creative communities through structured, accessible funding opportunities.

Ensure all required documents are complete and properly labeled as incomplete submissions may be rejected