Bravo / ICON Public Art Grant 2026

Bravo Greater Des Moines, in collaboration with ICON Water Trails, administers the Bravo/ICON Public Art Grant (PAG) to support the creation and installation of new public art projects along ICON water trail access points as designated by ICON and its 28E government partners. This program is intended to expand opportunities for artistic and cultural expression in Greater Des Moines while enhancing community engagement with water trails, creeks, and rivers. For the purpose of the grant, public art is defined as semi-permanent or permanent works that are free, publicly accessible, and designed to activate public spaces in meaningful ways. Examples include stand-alone installations, integrated works, and applied projects. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration between artists and the communities who will interact with the art. This competitive grant program is unique in that it is expected to sunset after the 2026 grant cycle. Not all applicants will necessarily be funded, and those selected must adhere to the funding and eligibility requirements set forth by Bravo and ICON. Eligible applicants are limited to government partner communities with current 28E Agreements with both Bravo Greater Des Moines and ICON Water Trails. Additionally, applicants must meet with Bravo and ICON staff to discuss their project by September 19, 2025. Only one application per government partner community is allowed in each cycle, though communities may apply to both the Bravo/ICON PAG and Bravo’s Public Art Grant if the proposals are for distinct projects. Communities that received Bravo/ICON Public Art funding in the 2024 cycle may apply again in 2026, but priority may be given to those that did not previously receive funding. Eligible projects include concept development, creation, and installation of public art, provided the work has a useful life of at least six months and a total cost of at least $10,000. The artwork may be integrated into infrastructure projects such as bridges, buildings, or landscapes, but grant funds can only be used for artistic enhancements. Allowable expenses include artist fees, stipends, costs related to concept development, fabrication, installation, and site preparation directly connected to the public art. Ineligible projects include gardens, signage, amphitheaters, bus shelters, playground equipment, Freedom Rocks, or any projects lacking meaningful engagement of artists. Ineligible expenses include staff salaries, non-integral equipment, maintenance of existing works, endowments, sponsorships, debt obligations, marketing, merchandise, and programming tied to activating artworks. Applicants may request funding for up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. While Bravo and ICON reserve the right to partially fund requests, applicants are expected to demonstrate additional financial support through fundraising. Required attachments include a detailed one-page budget separating public art costs from other expenses, a fundraising list of confirmed and potential funding sources, a one-page timeline with milestones and community engagement opportunities, and up to three images to support the proposal. These images may include renderings, sketches, or photos of the project site and materials. Compelling visual documentation is highly encouraged. Applications will be evaluated by an anonymous review panel, with recommendations forwarded to the Bravo and ICON Boards of Directors, which make final funding decisions. Applicants are prohibited from contacting reviewers or board members during the review process. Award notifications will be distributed via email on December 9, 2025. Successful applicants must sign a Grant Agreement and submit required resolutions by January 30, 2026. Funds will be distributed in full once agreements are executed. A final grant report and project renderings will be required before project completion. Projects must be completed within 24 months of receiving funds, with all funds expended by December 31, 2026, and installations completed by December 31, 2027. Key dates include the application opening on August 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the applicant-staff meeting deadline on September 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., and the application deadline on September 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Questions about the program should be directed to grants@bravogreaterdesmoines.org or 515-243-0388. This grant represents a final opportunity for communities to advance collaborative public art projects at ICON water trail access points under this funding model.

Projects that provide compelling visual documentation and detailed budgets that clearly separate public art costs are more competitive.