Public Art & Murals Grant

The Kansas Arts Commission's Public Art and Murals Grant is a state-funded initiative designed to activate and transform public spaces across Kansas through permanent or semi-permanent mural and public art installations. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), this program supports artistic projects that aim to increase community vibrancy, offer public engagement opportunities, and foster cultural development in Kansas communities. The grant reflects the Commission’s broader mission to strengthen the creative economy and encourage accessible artistic expression across diverse regions of the state. The purpose of the grant is to fund public art projects that are community-centered and accessible, offering a platform for artistic expression that reflects local identity and engagement. Projects must include a clear component of public accessibility and engagement during the life of the project. Funded initiatives may include murals, sculpture installations, and other types of site-specific public artworks that are either permanent or semi-permanent in nature. The program particularly encourages community-driven design, involvement of local artists, and collaborative efforts that amplify cultural and economic revitalization. While this grant supports permanent artwork, those seeking support for temporary or experimental projects are directed to the separate Arts Everywhere program. Eligible applicants must be based in Kansas and must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a public entity such as a state or local government unit, educational institution, or federally recognized tribal government. Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of completed arts and cultural programming and provide their latest operating budget. Organizations must be registered and in good standing with the Kansas Secretary of State, possess a federal UEI number, and have fulfilled any prior contractual obligations with the Commission. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed under specific criteria, and independent components of larger institutions may also apply if they maintain a distinct budget and mission, as well as independent programming and advisory structures. Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding, and all grants require a minimum 1:1 match with non-state and non-federal resources, including cash or in-kind contributions. For organizations located in designated Rural Opportunity Zones—which include all but ten Kansas counties—the required match may consist entirely of in-kind contributions. Allowable expenses include artist fees, travel and accommodation, project materials, administrative costs tied directly to the project, and marketing directly tied to the initiative. Ineligible costs include general organizational operating expenses, fundraising, food and beverages, and construction or facility renovation. Applications for the FY2026 cycle open on February 2, 2026, and close on March 2, 2026, with all activities required to occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Applications must be submitted through the Submittable portal. The selection process involves eligibility screening by KAC staff, scoring by a panel of cultural professionals, recommendations by the Kansas Arts Commission, and final approval by the Department of Commerce. Applications are evaluated based on project excellence, management capacity, strategic and economic impact, and community engagement. Public panel meetings are held to score applications and applicants are encouraged to attend. Grantees will receive funds on a cost reimbursement basis and must submit detailed documentation of expenses and matching contributions. Awardees are required to acknowledge funding from both KAC and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and to publicly credit the artist and title of the funded artwork on-site. A final report, including financial documentation and media of the project, is due within 30 days of the project’s end. The program is anticipated to recur annually.

Focus on community engagement, clear strategy, and artistic merit.