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 artwork in a variety of media sited and installed onto locations accessible to the public (without cost) and in exterior (outdoor) locations free of encumbrances. Artwork must be sited and installed at locations that are accessible and viewable from public space. Materials should be sustainable, low maintenance, and protected by graffiti resistant coatings. Permanent public art projects are defined as existing for a duration of more than two (2) years without a deinstallation plan. Temporary public art projects are defined as existing for less than two (2) years with a deinstallation plan. Works must require minimal routine maintenance.
Examples of public art include, but are not limited to sculptures, mosaics, artistic streetscapes, murals, painting in outdoor plazas, mixed media, paving patterns, media/digital installations, landscape designed projects, custom benches, stained glass installations, and artistic arches, gates, or railings.
FY27 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 2027 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 2, 2026 4 pm ET |
| Submission Deadline: | Monday, July 27, 2026, 5 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 |
Applicants for FY27 Public Art Building Communities must use CAH’s new Grants Application Portal Submittable to submit applications.
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 must read through this RFA in its entirety before applying. New guidelines and requirements are highlighted throughout this RFA.
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 § 39-205(c-1)(2)(a)(iii). 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]
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is an independent agency within the District of Columbia government that evaluates and initiates action on matters relating to the arts and humanities and encourages the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities. As the designated arts agency for Washington, DC, CAH is supported by District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
View the FY27 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.
- FY27 Public Art Building Communities RFA [PDF]
- FY27 PABC Budget Template [XLSX]
- FY27 PABC Budget Form Instructions
- FY27 PABC Individual Questions [PDF]
- FY27 PABC Organizational Questions [PDF]
- Copyright Form
- Submittable Grants Application Portal - Applicants for FY27 Public Art Building Communities must use this and not our former grants portal
Table of Contents
- DESCRIPTION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
- 1. Overview
- AWARD INFORMATION
- 2. Grant Program Goals
- 3. Highlighting Culture & Community
- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
- 4. Eligibilty Requirements
- 5. Applicant Restrictions
- APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
- 6. Submission Process
- 7. Successful Applications
- 8. Allowable Costs and Funding Restrictions
- 9. Mandatory Approvals
- 10. District of Columbia Public Space and Permit Verification
- 11. Technical Assistance and Workshops
- 12. Application Checklist
- APPLICATION AND REVIEW INFORMATION
- 13. Application Review Process
- 14. Application Review Criteria
- AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
- 15. Notification and Payment
- 16. Conditions of Funding, Reporting Requirements, Rescindments
- 17. Risk Management and Performance Monitoring
- CAH CONTACT
- ADDENDUMS
- Addendum A: Information and Guidelines for Work Samples and Support Materials
- Addendum B: Community Engagement Guide
- Addendum C: Mandatory Document Checklist
- Addendum D: List of Agency Contacts for Required Letters