Public Art

The Public Art Grant Program is administered by the West Virginia Department of Tourism in partnership with the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. This program is designed to support the development and installation of public art projects across communities in West Virginia. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing public spaces, promoting cultural engagement, and encouraging healthier lifestyles through accessible artistic experiences. By prioritizing projects located on public walking trails or those that encourage physical activity, the program aligns arts funding with broader public health and community development goals. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance of up to 7,500 dollars to support the creation, installation, or refurbishment of public art. Eligible projects include murals, sculptural installations, and improvements to existing artworks. These projects must be accessible to the general public and located within the state of West Virginia. The funding may be used for artist fees, travel costs, materials, and equipment rentals. However, certain costs are explicitly excluded, including administrative overhead, hospitality expenses, maintenance, and activities not open to the public. Projects must occur within the designated grant cycle period, and expenses incurred prior to the start of the funding period are not eligible. Eligibility for this grant includes West Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governments, county school boards, and higher education institutions that provide arts services to the broader community. Applicants must meet several administrative requirements, including being in operation for at least one year, maintaining good standing with the West Virginia Secretary of State, holding an active Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov, and possessing a vendor number through the state’s financial system. Organizations must also have successfully completed all reporting requirements for prior grants from the same agencies and must not appear on any federal or state debarment lists. The application process requires submission through the GOapply portal and includes multiple components. Applicants must complete a cover sheet, project narrative, detailed budget, and certification page. In addition, supporting documentation such as artist contracts, expense verification, and project design concepts must be included. First-time applicants are encouraged to submit draft applications for feedback prior to final submission. The program operates in two funding rounds annually, with deadlines in May and October. Each round corresponds to a defined grant period, with projects typically spanning several months within the fiscal year. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process conducted by a panel of arts professionals, agency staff, and external experts. The evaluation is based on five equally weighted criteria: project description, artistic merit, impact and planning, grant management capacity, and budget quality. Each category is scored up to 20 points, for a total possible score of 100. Additional consideration is given to projects located in economically distressed counties as identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission, reflecting a strategic emphasis on equity and regional development. A key requirement of the program is a minimum 50 percent cash match from applicants, meaning that grant funds may cover no more than half of the total project cost. In-kind contributions are not eligible to fulfill this requirement. Applicants whose proposals are denied have the option to appeal within 60 days by submitting documentation demonstrating errors in the review process. The program also emphasizes compliance with federal accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring applicants to ensure that funded projects are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Elizabeth Yeager, Deputy Director of Arts, via email. The program maintains structured timelines and clear expectations to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds. Overall, the Public Art Grant Program serves as a strategic investment in community identity, public engagement, and the integration of art into everyday environments throughout West Virginia.

Ensure strong project description clarity; demonstrate community impact; include complete documentation; align with evaluation criteria; prioritize projects promoting healthy lifestyles