Open Spaces Program Grant

Open Spaces Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Amount: US $15,000 - US $175,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation's Open Spaces Program funds innovative public art projects that engage communities in Oakland and San Francisco. This initiative supports artist-driven collaborations, emphasizing community involvement, unique partnerships, and artistic excellence. Grants range from $15,000 to $175,000, depending on project stages, with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. The program prioritizes projects that are publicly accessible for at least a month and that demonstrate measurable outcomes and evaluations.

Overview

Open Spaces Program The Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s Open Spaces Program supports artist-driven temporary, place based public art projects that resonate with communities. This grantmaking program funds projects at different stages of development that feature generative collaboration between artists, communities and nonprofit organizations to realize ambitious, risk-taking projects. The Open Spaces Program prioritizes: Visionary and timely projects that expand the boundaries of public art and support artists in advancing their practices.Collaborations across various disciplines, diverse media and technology.Projects that are relevant to and engage communities in Oakland and San Francisco.Projects that leverage civic and neighborhood resources and cultural assets, including outdoor and nontraditional sites accessible by public transportation.Compensating artists at a significant level.Mutually beneficial partnerships between artists and collaborators.Projects that are accessible to the widest possible audience, including historically underserved audiences.Projects that are temporary in nature but are publicly accessible for at least a month.Tracking outcomes and project evaluation. Program Grant Tracks Applicants can apply for one of two Open Spaces Program grant tracks: Development Support Grants: $15,000-$20,000 to fund projects in their initial stages over a 24-month grant period.In addition to the grant amount, grantees receive support to document their project and will be paired with an experienced public art advisor for the project’s duration. Development Support Grants fund the research, design and planning phases of a large scale, temporary public art project. Projects must feature a partnership and include community engagement activities to be competitive for funding. Note: being awarded a Development Support Grant does not guarantee receiving a Production Support Grant in a future year, however, it sets the stage for a strong Production Support Grant application.Production Support Grants: $100,000-$175,000 to fund the implementation of late-stage projects over a 24 month grant period. In addition to the grant amount, grantees also receive support to document their project and will be paired with an experienced public art advisor for the project’s duration. Production Support Grants fund the production and premiere of a temporary public art project that has been thoroughly developed and planned. Projects must feature strong, authentic partnerships as a vehicle for creating impactful temporary public art, include relevant community engagement activities and have a sustained public presence of at least a month to be considered for funding. Note: Production Support grants are highly competitive and we rigorously assess applications for the stated criteria. Criteria Applications will be evaluated on the following: Evidence of strong, authentic partnerships as a vehicle for creating and premiering groundbreaking temporary public art;Timeliness and compelling nature of the project;A meaningful understanding of the unique context of place and relevance to communities it seeks to serve;Demonstration of a thoughtful approach to community engagement;Rigor of past work;The degree to which the project expands the boundaries of public art and supports artists in advancing their practice;Demonstrated ability to successfully execute a complex project of this nature, including evidence of technical and logistical know-how (i.e., the staff, consultants, fabricators and engineers that will be involved; the strategy for permits and regulatory approvals, et);Capacity to fulfill all grant requirements.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. We accept applications that meet the following criteria:Applicants must demonstrate the capacity for effective project management, including facilitating community engagement, project promotion, documentation and evaluation. If applicable, demonstrated evidence of technical expertise, ability to obtain city approvals and permits and ongoing maintenance plan.Bay Area artists or artist collectives may apply in collaboration with a Bay Area nonprofit partner or fiscal sponsor.Bay Area nonprofits must apply in collaboration with a Bay Area artist or artist collective.Nonprofit and fiscal sponsor partners must be able to make payments to artists and team members, maintain project financial records and if applicable, hold general liability insurance to indemnify the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and property owner.If you are a return applicant who is re-applying for the same project, contact Arts Program Staff.Open Spaces Program grantees who were awarded Production Support funding in the last round are not eligible to apply in the current round.Previous Development Support grantees are eligible to apply.Production Support grants require in-person activities and project sites must be in San Francisco and/or Oakland.Project activities must take place within the 24-month grant period.Performances must have premiere dates after the deadline specified on website. At least one-third of the grant funds must be designated to the artistic project team and their direct expenses for creating the work.

Ineligibility

Open Spaces Program funding does not support:General operations.A full season of programming.Direct grants to individuals.Construction, purchase or renovation of facilities.Start-up organizations.Sports, athletic events or league sponsorships.Advertising or promotional sponsorships.Deficits or retroactive funding.Fraternal organizations.Organizations that discriminate based on religion, race, sexual orientation or gender.