Mural Grant Program

Mission: Improve downtown's aesthetics and engage local artists by enhancing building facades in downtown Springdale.

Program Details

The Downtown Springdale Alliance provides matching grants to local artists to create murals in downtown Springdale. The program has been funded through multiple sources including:

• Walton Family Foundation (primary funder)
• Arts Center of the Ozarks (Spark Projects funding)

Eligibility & Application Priority

Applications are accepted from:

1. First Priority: Property owners/artists submitting pictures of proposed walls, selected artist, conceptual drawing, and 1:1 match or more
2. Second Priority: Property owners making exterior walls available for murals with 1:1 match funding
3. Third Priority: Artists submitting concept/rendering with funding but without specific location

Geographic Scope

Downtown Springdale, AR - specifically the Downtown Arts District

Key Information

• Multiple artists have been awarded grants in recent years (4 artists in 2021, 3 additional artists in March 2021)
• Typical completion deadline: 4-5 months from award date
• Murals must enhance existing building facades
• Property owners are connected with artists through a committee review process
• Matching funds requirement encouraged

Application Process

Required Materials

• Pictures of the proposed wall for the mural
• Selected artist identification
• Conceptual drawing/rendering of desired mural
• Evidence of 1:1 match funding or greater (required for first priority)
• Project timeline/completion target

Application Timeline

Historical example (2020-2021 cycle):

• Application Opening: December 15, 2020
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2021
• Award Notification: February 15, 2021
• Project Completion: April 15, 2021

Review Process

• Applications reviewed by committee of artists and non-artists
• Committee works to connect artists with downtown property owners
• Selection based on priority tier and application quality

Next Steps for Applicants

1. Submit complete application package
2. Await committee review (approximately 1 month)
3. Receive award notification
4. Complete mural within specified timeframe (typically 4-5 months)
5. Committee coordinates artist-property owner connection

Contact for Applications

Jill Dabbs, Executive Director
jill@downtownspringdale.org
(501) 425-0478