Grant Details
Public Art Grants (PAG) offer financial support to Bravo’s local government partners for new public art projects or public art plans that generate more artistic and cultural expression in Greater Des Moines. For this grant program, Bravo defines “public art” as semi-permanent or permanent artwork that is free and accessible to the public. Artwork may include, but is not limited to, sculptures, murals and installations. This is a competitive grant program; it is likely not all funding requests will be approved.
Eligible PAG applicants must have a current 28E Agreement with Bravo Greater Des Moines. A local government may submit only one PAG application per grant cycle.
All applicants must meet with Bravo staff about their project before submitting an application. A detailed timeline with available meeting dates will be provided in early 2024.
Projects eligible for PAG funding include the following:
- Concept development and the creation and/or installation of works of public art. Eligible artwork must have a useful life of at least 6 months. The artwork may be part of a building, bridge or other permanent infrastructure, but grant funds are restricted to the costs associated with the artistic enhancement of the infrastructure project.
- Creation of a comprehensive public art plan; a comprehensive public art plan is an actionable project management tool for a city, including its commissions, city departments, program staff, artists and stakeholders, to increase public art in its community while supporting the goals, needs and future of the area.
Projects ineligible for PAG funding include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Maintenance/repair of existing public art collection
- Landscapes and gardens that do not have a life of at least 6 months
- Signage, including welcome and wayfinding signs
- Projects previously funded by Bravo Public Art Grant
- Public Art projects at water trail access points that are eligible for the ICON Public Art Grant
- Amphitheaters
- Events & Programs
- Freedom Rocks
- Bus shelters
Grant funds must be spent within the GC24 funding period (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) and the project must be completed by June 30, 2026.
| Funding Period | Project Completion Date |
|---|---|
| GC24 July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026 |
PAG funding may be used for the following:
- Artist fees and stipends or other eligible costs for project concept development, which can include the creation of detailed proposals for public art projects in the applicant city.
- Costs to create and to install public art, including land and site development.
- Consultant fees for the development and creation of a new or updated comprehensive public art plan.
Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to the following:
- City/County staff salaries and wages
- Equipment and fixtures that are not integral to the structure or operation of the artwork
- Endowment
- Sponsorship
- Existing obligations, debts or liabilities
- Operational expenses related to marketing, promotion and merchandise
Project Eligibility is subject to change. Complete guidelines with detailed eligibility will be released in early 2024.
Important Dates
Final dates for GC24 are still being determined and will be released in early 2024. See below for a tentative schedule:
- Early March 2024 Application available
- Late March 2024 Deadline for applicants to meet with Bravo staff
- Early April 2024 Application due
- Mid-June 2024 Award notifications sent
- July 1, 2024 Grant term begins
- August 2024 Signed Grant Agreements & Resolutions due
- June 30, 2025 Grant term ends; Bravo funds must be expended
- June 30, 2026 Project must be completed
QUESTIONS?
Contact Bravo staff at grants@bravogreaterdesmoines.org or 515.243.0388 with any questions.
ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES
For FAQs, other funding opportunities, trainings for nonprofits, visit Bravo’s resources page.