Public Art in Community Grant Program

The Public Art in Community Grant is a collaborative initiative led by the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC), in partnership with the Levitt Foundation, Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Main Street Association, and other community partners. This grant supports Mississippi-based, community-focused nonprofit organizations in developing accessible public art installations and activating them through an annual concert series. The program seeks to foster community engagement, cultural vitality, and economic development through creative placemaking in rural towns and small communities across Mississippi. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2026, two nonprofit organizations will be selected to receive combined public art and music activation funding. The public art component includes a grant award of $27,500+—comprised of $15,000 from MAC, $7,500 from Visit Mississippi, and an optional $5,000 from Mississippi Main Street Association for eligible Main Street partners. This component requires a 1:1 cash match for the MAC funding portion. In-kind donations, while not eligible as a match, are still encouraged as part of demonstrating local support and engagement. The public art project is expected to progress through three main phases: community-driven design, physical installation, and activation through the Levitt AMP Music Series. Grantees will also receive a separate three-year, dollar-for-dollar matching Levitt Foundation AMP grant, awarding $40,000 per year for three years (totaling $120,000). This funding supports an annual series of 10 free outdoor concerts at the public art site in 2026, 2027, and 2028. At least half of the required match for this component must be cash, while the other half may be in-kind. The concerts are intended to activate the art installation site, creating a vibrant community gathering space. MAC and the Levitt Foundation provide toolkits, consulting, and other resources to assist grantees throughout the process, including training, artist booking support, and promotional templates. Eligible applicants are Mississippi-based, community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits that regularly conduct public programming in areas such as arts, culture, education, tourism, or culinary programming. Organizations must be in good standing with MAC, and either own or have documented permission to use the property where the public art will be located. State and local agencies, schools, municipalities, and universities are not eligible to apply directly but may be included as partners. The application process begins with a required Letter of Intent (LOI) due by July 15. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application by August 28. Applications must be submitted through MAC’s E-Grant system and include organizational details, project narrative, budget itemization, staff bios, artist information, partnership letters, and the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) letter. Review panels will convene in October, and award notifications are expected in November 2025. Public art installation work must be completed by June 30, 2026. Evaluation criteria include project goals and outcomes, artistic excellence, community engagement, access and inclusion, and organizational capacity. MAC emphasizes projects that engage the community meaningfully and inclusively, demonstrate collaboration, and reflect Mississippi’s legacy of artistic excellence. Legal compliance with state and federal regulations is mandatory, including accessibility, civil rights, and drug-free workplace policies. For technical support or guidance, applicants may refer to MAC’s grant writing resources or contact MAC staff at (601) 359-6030.

Review MAC’s grant writing tips and attend the informational webinar.