Art Bank Program (ABP) Grant

Art Bank Program (ABP) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Art Bank Program (ABP) supports local visual artists and nonprofit organizations in DC by acquiring original artwork for its permanent collection. This program aims to enhance public spaces and provide exposure for artists. Eligible applicants include legal residents of DC or those within a 50-mile radius, with requirements for artists and nonprofit galleries to ensure community representation and artistic diversity. The program fosters a vibrant cultural environment and enriches the aesthetic experience in government buildings.

Overview

In support of local visual artists and District nonprofit art organizations, CAH acquires studio artwork by metropolitan artists to become part of the permanent Art Bank Collection. New artwork is added annually through a competitive grant called the Art Bank Program Grant. CAH manages the artwork from this municipal collection and oversees the Art Bank Loan Program. Artwork is loaned to District Government Agencies and Council offices for display in public areas within DC government buildings. The Art Bank Collection, which started in 1986, has over 3,000 artworks. CAH seeks grant applications from qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations representing metropolitan artists for the acquisition of original two- and three- dimensional artwork including, but not limited to: CeramicsCollageDrawingsFabric Arts Mixed media works Paintings Photographs PrintsSculptures For the purpose of this grant, metropolitan artist is defined as a legal resident of Washington, DC, or a legal resident within a 50-mile radius of the Washington, DC boundaries, for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline. Program Goals Grow the District’s collection of fine art to reflect the rich, diverse artistic history and communities of the metropolitan region.Provide support, exposure and professional benefit for visual artists residing in the District of Columbia metropolitan area.Enhance the aesthetic experience for District employees and visitors that access the District of Columbia government buildings and public spaces.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Prior to submitting applications, applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements:Be an artist or artist representative (e.g., artist estate representative), aged 18 or older; Be a legal resident of Washington, DC, or a legal resident of within a 50-mile radius of the Washington, DC boundaries, for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline; Maintain primary residency during the entire funding period (October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026);Have a permanent DC, MD, or VA address, as listed on government-issued identification or tax returns. The address provided on all application materials must match exactly the address provided on the submitted IRS W-9 form. Post office boxes are not allowable as a primary address; and, Be in good standing with CAH. Applicants with incomplete or delinquent reports from any prior funding program, as of Friday, October 14, 2023 (or otherwise as determined by CAH), are ineligible to receive additional funds from CAH in FY 2026.District Nonprofit Galleries and Arts Organizations must (at the time of application):Be incorporated as a nonprofit with a federally designated tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, as evidenced by an IRS determination letter that is dated at least one year prior to the application deadline date; Be a nonprofit arts organization or gallery, representing artists living in the metropolitan area within a 50-mile radius; Have a principal business office address located in the District of Columbia, subject to on-site visit. (Note: CAH will not allow post office boxes or the addresses of board members or volunteers as evidence of the principal business address); Be registered with, and authorized to do business in, the District as either a “Domestic” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in the District) or a “Foreign” entity (that is, an entity that was incorporated in another state); Ensure that at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the organization’s activities occur within the District of Columbia; Have an active Board of Directors; Obtain certification of “Citywide Clean Hands” (CCH) from the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (see page 9);Not be colleges, universities, service organizations, foreign governments or other DC Government or Federal Government agencies, including DC Public Schools; and, Be in good standing with CAH. Applicants with incomplete or delinquent reports from any prior funding program are ineligible to receive additional funds from CAH in FY 2026.

Ineligibility

Those ineligible for ABP funding include:Those employed by CAH within the last three (3) years. Prospective applicants debarred from procurements by the federal government, the Government of the District of Columbia or any governmental entity. Individuals outside the 50-mile radius of the District of Columbia.