The Columbia Streams Art Public Art Program is an initiative of the City of Columbia aimed at enriching the cultural and environmental landscape of the region through micro-grant funding to local artists. Administered under the leadership of Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, this program is designed to support public art that resonates with the history, natural beauty, and sustainability efforts of Columbia, South Carolina.
The program will fund up to 20 local artists, with each selected project receiving a micro-grant ranging between $500 and $1,500. Artists are encouraged to submit creative concepts that align with at least one of three thematic priorities: celebrating Columbia’s historical narrative, enhancing public knowledge and use of the city’s key river systems (the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree), or advancing sustainability themes such as climate change awareness, urban beautification, or environmental conservation.
Eligible applicants include individual artists or art teams who reside or work in the Columbia area, with a preference for those with a history of public exhibitions within Columbia or the broader South Carolina region. Projects must demonstrate a tangible public art component and relevance to the outlined themes.
Applications are submitted through an online form available via the official City of Columbia website. The application period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025. Following the deadline, a juried panel will evaluate submissions based on relevance, quality, feasibility, and potential public impact. Selected artists will be notified after the review process.
This opportunity supports local creative talent while reinforcing the city's commitment to public engagement, environmental awareness, and cultural storytelling through the arts. Inquiries regarding the application or program details can be directed to Skot Garrick via email at skot.garrick@columbiasc.gov.
Emphasize community relevance and artistic connection to historical, environmental, or sustainability themes.
