OVERVIEW
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.
FY26 Public Art Building Communities Grant Request for Applications
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is soliciting applications from qualified individual artists or organizations for its Fiscal Year 2025 Public Art Building Communities Grant Program (PABC). Multiple awards may be made under this Request for Applications (RFA). Award amounts vary.
| RFA Release: | Monday, March 17, 5 PM ET |
| Submission Deadline: | Monday, July 21, 2025, 9 PM ET |
| Number of Awards: | Multiple |
| Award Amount: | Individuals up to $75,000 Organizations up to $125,000 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) up to $150,000 |
Incomplete or late applications or applications that do not follow the instructions and guidelines will be automatically deemed ineligible for review and funding. Prospective applicants should read through this RFA in its entirety before submitting an application.
Source of Funds: The source of funds for the grant(s) is the portion of the Agency’s annual grants budget allocated for grant programs established by CAH in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 29-205(c-1)(2)(C). CAH may make multiple awards under this RFA.
CAH’s Authority to Make Grants: CAH has grantmaking authority under the Commission on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1975, as amended (D.C. Law 1-22; D.C. Official Code § 39-204).
Staff Contact: Kerry Kennedy, Public Art Program Coordinator | [email protected]
View the FY26 PABC RFA by downloading the PDFs of the RFA as well as Q&As, or navigate the RFA on our website using the Table of Contents below.
- FY26 Public Art Building Communities RFA [PDF]
- FY26 PABC Live Chat Presentation [PDF]
- FY26 PABC Budget Form [XLSX]
- FY26 PABC Budget Form Instructions
- FY26 PABC Questions and Answers
- FY26 PABC Individual Questions [PDF]
- FY26 PABC Organizational Questions [PDF]
- Copyright Form
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Overview
- Grant Program Goals
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.)
- Successful Applications
- Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant Restrictions
- Allowable Costs and Funding Restrictions
- Technical Assistance and Workshops
- Submission Process
- Application Review Process
- Notification and Payment
- Conditions of Funding, Reporting, Rescindments
- Risk Management and Performance Monitoring
- Mandatory Approvals
- DC Public Space and Permit Verification
- Application Review Criteria
- Application Checklist
Addendum A: Work Samples and Support Materials
Addendum B: Community Engagement Fact Sheet
Addendum C: Mandatory Document Checklist
Addendum D: List of Agency Contacts for Required Letters