Color the Curb: School Safety Program Grant

The Color the Curb: School Safety Program invites District-based artists to create large-scale murals at intersections near three DC Public Schools in Washington, DC. Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in collaboration with local government and education departments, this initiative encourages community engagement and artistic expression while enhancing school safety. Artists must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and previous funding history, to apply for this grant aimed at fostering youth engagement through art.

The District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), in partnership with the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT), and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), seeks District-based artists experienced in large-scale exterior murals, youth engagement, and community-based projects to design and install ground murals in the intersections near three DCPS schools in Washington, DC. Selected artists will be awarded grant funds to be used for design, materials, fabrication, installation, personnel, and project management.

Eligibility

Individuals may apply having met the following eligibility requirements at the time of application:

• Artist/Lead Artist was not awarded the Color the Curb: School Safety Program grant in FY24.
• Artist/Lead Artist is a resident of the District of Columbia aged 18 or older.

Artist/Lead Artist has a permanent District of Columbia address, as listed on legal identification and 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 cannot be used as a demonstration of the applicant’s primary address.
Artist/Lead Artist is in good standing with CAH demonstrated by the applicant’s complete or non-delinquent reporting due to CAH from any prior CAH funded program. Applicants may not use a secondary party that acts on its behalf (“fiscal agent”) in the performance and execution of financial duties.
Artist/Lead Artist is a practicing professional artist with demonstrated large-scale exterior mural and community-based projects experience. An asphalt painting experience is not a requirement, but a plus. If working as a team, elements of the project must be supported by a team of experienced arts professionals.
Artist/Lead Artist demonstrates ability to engage youth (elementary school-aged youth) of varying skill levels in an art project.

Ineligibility

Applicants that are not in good standing are ineligible to apply and therefore may not receive any additional grant award (in any category of grant funding) from CAH in FY 2025.