Art in the Parks Fund
This funding opportunity supports individuals and organizations in Eugene to create diverse cultural events in local parks, promoting community engagement and inclusivity for historically underrepresented groups.
The Art in the Parks Fund 2025, administered by the City of Eugene Cultural Services in collaboration with Parks and Open Space, offers funding for community-driven cultural events in Eugene parks. This initiative aims to foster vibrant and inclusive public spaces by supporting diverse artistic and cultural experiences that bring communities together. Events can span various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, dance, music, theater, film, media, festivals, and other cultural expressions. Funding is available for small-scale events (up to $2,500) and large-scale events (up to $5,000). Definitions of small and large events will be provided in the funding guidelines. Grants are open to organizations and individuals seeking to produce high-quality programming in a Eugene park. The program encourages a wide range of artistic and cultural contributions, aiming to create shared community experiences that reflect Eugene’s increasingly diverse population. The goals of the 2025 Art in the Parks Fund include: Activating Eugene’s parks with vibrant and inspiring events that promote personal, community, and environmental well-being. Creating a sense of belonging and pride for historically underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations, low-income residents, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, youth, and seniors. Encouraging cultural exchange and dialogue through the arts, fostering empathy, understanding, and wonder. Supporting both large events in Alton Baker Park and smaller events throughout other parks in the city. Public info sessions are available to help applicants with the process: Online Info Session: October 16, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. This session will cover tips on navigating the application and budget, with a recording available afterward. In-person Work Session: October 28, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. (location to be announced). This session is designed for applicants with developed project ideas and offers hands-on assistance. The application deadline is noon on November 5, 2024. This grant provides an excellent opportunity for community members to contribute to Eugene's cultural landscape by organizing meaningful events that enhance public spaces and reflect the city’s diversity.
Award Range
$2,500 - $5,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Applicant Eligibility The Art in the Parks grant is open to all organizations and individuals headquartered/physically residing within Lane County. Proposed programming must take place between April 1 and Oct. 31, 2025. Programs should be made as accessible as possible for community members. If the event is not free to attend, then a portion of tickets must be offered for free or on a sliding scale. Applicants must provide a 1:1 cash, in-kind and/or volunteer time match for the project that equals the amount of your Art in the Parks grant award (i.e., if the City awards you $1,000 then you must also contribute at least $1,000 toward your project costs). Your total match amount should consist of one orany combination of the following: Cash: either already secured or additional funds you anticipate raising through sponsorships or other fundraising. In-Kind: this includes donated materials and supplies, valued at full retail or rental cost. Volunteer time: value each hour of volunteer time given to the project at the nationally-established rate of $33.49 per hour. Please note: you can choose to use In-Kind or volunteer time as 100% of your match. Applicants may submit proposals for as many as two programs, but are only eligible to receive funding for one. Each program must have its own complete and separate proposal. There cannot be an open litigation or claim with the City of Eugene. Previously funded programs, artists and organizations are eligible to re-apply, but not until their previously funded programs have been completed and reports have been submitted. City of Eugene employees are not eligible to apply for this grant but can be involved with organizations or groups led by non-City employees that do apply. Events in the Park Blocks are not eligible for this grant, but may be eligible for a Downtown Program Fund grant. Please see Downtown Program Fund to learn more. The applicant must be able to obtain liability insurance as a requirement of holding an event on City land. Liability insurance information.
Geographic Eligibility
Lane County (OR)