Art Grant

The Duncanville Arts Commission, acting as an advisory body to the City Council, administers an annual arts funding program designed to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem throughout Duncanville, Texas. With funding authorized primarily through an allocation of the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue—up to 15% annually—this initiative aligns with state mandates that such funds support activities directly connected to tourism and the hotel and convention industry. Additional revenue streams for the program may include private sponsorships, public grants, donations, and collaborations with nonprofit entities. The arts funding opportunity encompasses three grant types: Annual Arts Program Grants, Single Project Support Grants, and Public Art Grants. Annual Arts Program Grants are reserved for nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status presenting a full season of programming. These grants may support operations, artist fees, production costs, and venue rentals, with an award ceiling of $20,000. Single Project Support Grants offer more flexible eligibility and are open to individuals, nonprofits, businesses, city departments, and the Arts Commission itself. These grants support one-time, public-facing events or projects, with tiered funding ceilings of $2,500 for city departments, $3,000 for first-time applicants, and $10,000 for returning applicants. Public Art Grants, on the other hand, focus on permanent visual art installations. These grants are available to individual artists, teams, nonprofits, or the Arts Commission, with funding disbursed according to project scope. A public purpose and visibility are mandatory for all projects across categories. Each project must take place within Duncanville city limits and must serve a public purpose, reinforcing tourism and cultural engagement. Furthermore, all marketing materials must prominently display the City of Duncanville and/or Arts Commission logo. The application process includes quarterly submission cycles, each with a fixed application window, Commission review, and Council approval schedule. For the current cycle, applications are open through September 30, 2025, with decisions and disbursements to follow in October and November. Applicants must be 18 years or older and reside in or operate an arts-related business within Duncanville. Compliance with city, state, and federal regulations is required, including being in good standing with the IRS and the City of Duncanville. Specific ineligibilities include full-time city employees, artists who have already received funding during the current fiscal year, and applicants submitting multiple proposals. Funding cannot be used for religious or political activities, academic credit projects, capital improvements, litigation, or private events. The Duncanville Arts Commission conducts quarterly information sessions and encourages all potential applicants to attend one before submitting a proposal. Applications must be complete and demonstrate the applicant's capacity to execute the project effectively. Questions about the grant process may be directed to the Commission via email at arts@duncanvilletx.gov. Applications for the current cycle must be submitted by 11:45 PM on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Future quarterly cycles are planned for December, March, and June, each with similar deadlines and review timelines. The Commission maintains the right to consider exceptions to funding limits based on project merit and available resources, and decisions are subject to final approval by City Council.

Applicants are encouraged to attend quarterly info sessions and review the full policy before submitting.