RFA- Public Art Building Communities (PABC) Grant

The Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant program, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, aims to support artists and organizations in creating new public art installations. Projects must be accessible to the public and can be either temporary or permanent, with specific guidelines regarding maintenance and sustainability. Applicants must engage with the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission to secure support and promote community involvement in the project's design and execution.

NOTE:  Prior to application submission: All applicants must submit a letter of support from the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) in which the proposed project will be installed. Specifically, applicants are required to:
Request a hearing before the ANC to present and discuss the final designs of the proposed projectPromote public awareness to community members with the goal of inviting members of the public to attend the ANC meeting and soliciting input on the applicant’s project. Obtain a letter of support from the ANC following the ANC presentation.
Applicants are advised to plan early and contact the ANC for their meeting schedule and procedures..
PABC Program Description
The Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant program supports individual artists and organizations in their effort to design, fabricate and install new permanent or temporary works of public art that connect artists (and their artwork) with communities.
For the purposes of this grant, public art is defined as artwork in a variety of media sited and installed onto locations that are accessible to the public (without cost) and in exterior (outdoor) locations free of encumbrances. Artwork must be sited and installed onto locations that are accessible and viewable from public space. Materials should be sustainable, low maintenance and protected by graffiti resistance coatings. Permanent public art projects are defined as existing for a duration of more than two (2) years without a deinstallation plan. Works must require minimal routine maintenance. Temporary public art projects are defined as existing for less than two (2) years with a deinstallation plan.
Examples of Public Art include, but are not limited to sculptures, mosaics, artistic streetscapes, murals, painting in outdoor plazas, mixed media, paving pattern, media/digital installations, landscape designed projects, custom benches, stained glass installations, and artistic arches, gates, or railings.