City of Liberty Mini Art Grant Program

The Liberty Arts Commission (LAC) serves as the primary arts advocacy agency for the City of Liberty, working to foster a vibrant local cultural scene through awareness, access, and engagement in the arts. It is committed to enhancing the cultural vitality of the city by supporting diverse artistic endeavors that engage both residents and visitors. As part of this mission, the LAC administers several grant programs, including the Mini Art Grants, which are aimed at encouraging local participation in and appreciation for the arts, while also contributing to the city's tourism strategy. The Mini Art Grants initiative is rooted in the Liberty Arts Commission’s broader effort to promote community-based artistic activity. Funded by the Transient Guest Tax collected from local accommodations such as hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns, the grants are intended to reinvest tourism dollars into local initiatives that further enhance Liberty’s cultural appeal. This tax-based funding model ensures a direct link between tourism and the support of local arts, aiming to generate a cyclical benefit: the more engaging the arts events, the more attractive Liberty becomes as a destination. Through a competitive process, Mini Art Grants provide support for projects and events that demonstrate artistic excellence, public accessibility, and potential to draw visitors to the city. The evaluation criteria emphasize a balanced consideration of the artistic quality of the proposal, the applicant’s past accomplishments and future promise, and the extent to which the project is open and inviting to the public. Importantly, the likelihood of an initiative to enhance tourism within the City of Liberty is a key factor in funding decisions, aligning closely with the source of the grant funding. For the 2026 cycle, applicants can apply for Mini Art Grants of up to $1,000 each, with an annual cap of $5,000 in total awards. These grants are awarded on a rolling basis, and proposals may be submitted at any time during the year. However, to be eligible for review, applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the proposed event or project. Submissions received before the first Thursday of each month are reviewed in the following week's LAC meeting, with decisions communicated within two weeks after the review. While applications will be reviewed as they are received throughout the year, it's important to note that no grant funds will be disbursed until January 2026, as the current cycle is designated for the 2026 calendar year. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, and the program does not specify any required formats or uploads beyond a completed application. The absence of these barriers is consistent with the Mini Art Grant's objective to lower entry thresholds for local artists and arts organizations seeking funding. Overall, the Liberty Arts Commission’s Mini Art Grants are designed to stimulate the local arts scene and increase community and visitor engagement with Liberty’s cultural offerings. By investing in events and projects with clear public and tourism benefits, the program not only enriches the city's cultural fabric but also supports its economic vitality.