The Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant program supports individual artists and organizations in their effort to design, fabricate and install new permanent or temporary works of public art that connect artists (and their artwork) with communities.
For the purposes of this grant, public art is defined as artwork in a variety of media sited and installed onto locations that are accessible to the public (without cost) and in exterior (outdoor) locations free of encumbrances. Artwork must be sited and installed onto locations that are accessible and viewable from public space. Materials should be sustainable, low maintenance and protected by graffiti resistance coatings. Permanent public art projects are defined as existing for a duration of more than two (2) years without a deinstallation plan. Works must require minimal routine maintenance. Temporary public art projects are defined as existing for less than two (2) years with a deinstallation plan.
Examples of Public Art include, but are not limited to sculptures, mosaics, artistic streetscapes, murals, painting in outdoor plazas, mixed media, paving pattern, media/digital installations, landscape designed projects, custom benches, stained glass installations, and artistic arches, gates, or railings.
Performance art-based projects, previously created works-of-art, and public art projects that previously received CAH funding are ineligible for funding in this grant program.
CAH grant funds must be spent within CAH’s Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024).
Please note: Installations with a lifespan of more than a year designed to commemorate the memory of an individual, group, events, or other significant element of International, nations, or local culture or history, located in public space, or property owned by or under the administrative control or jurisdiction of the District of Columbia may be subject to the review and approval of the DC Commemorative Works Committee. Please refer to the Commemorative Works Committee Website for additional information.
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