Public Art Microgrants

A platform for public art projects that reflect a community's unique identities and values

A strip mall building with public art mural wrapping the one-story building
Beltline Neighbourhoods Association with Harvey Nichol. | Photo: Sukie (Jiaqi Su).

The Program

Public Art Microgrants provide a platform for public art projects that reflect a community’s unique identities and values.

Recognizing that impactful public art often begins as grassroots ideas, the Community-Run Public Art Microgrants program provides community-led organizations in Calgary/Mohkinstsis an opportunity to create public art experiences in collaboration with local artists. Successful applicants receive up to $15,000 in funding to bring their artistic visions to life while engaging local artists. This initiative encourages communities to explore themes such as Indigenous stories, social change and local histories, fostering a sense of connection and pride through public art.

In 2021, Public Art Microgrants were also available for Calgary and area artists to submit ideas to create art in public spaces. This Artist-Run Public Art Microgrant program provided one-time funding to support the local artist community through the impacts of COVID. Professional artists of all experience levels were encouraged to partner with community associations, businesses or private landowners to explore any form of public art in any part of the city. Funding for this 2021 program was provided through the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.

Current Exhibition

Title:

2023 Community-Run Public Art Microgrants

Timeline:

2023 – 2024

Medium:

Various

In 2023, 23 community-led organizations in Calgary/Mohkinsstsis received microgrants to create public artworks in collaboration with local artists. The projects ranged from a school photography workshop and exhibition, to a community paper-making event, to collaborative murals.

Past Exhibitions

2021 Community-Run Public Art Microgrant

Recognizing that public art opportunities can come from grassroots ideas that are initiated and led by communities, Calgary Arts Development invited proposals for community-run public…Read more

Year: 2021-2022

Multicoloured hands reach to the stars in a colourful mural.

2021 Artist-Initiated Public Art Microgrant

This microgrant program supports the local artist community and recognizes that public art opportunities can come from grassroots ideas that are initiated by professional artists.Read more

Medium: Various

Year: 2021-2022

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