Public Art Commission announces Public Art & Performance Mini Grants for Artists

Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the Salem Public Art Commission (PAC) announced a public art and performance mini grants opportunity for artists based in Salem.  The PAC welcomes requests for funding for public art projects and performances taking place on public property from individual artists and performers based in Salem, MA.  

The application deadline is Monday, September 4, 2023 at 4pm, for the September Review Cycle.  Applications will be reviewed and selected in the September Public Art Commission Meeting held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 via Zoom. 

Proposals are reviewed twice a year in the Public Art Commission’s regular March and September meetings, which are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  Proposals will only be reviewed during these meetings; however, proposals may be submitted any time using the online submissions form: https://bit.ly/forsalemartists.

“Salem is a community with a vibrant and active creative culture,” said Mayor Pangallo, “This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate some of the outstanding artists in our community, and give us all a chance to celebrate and enjoy their work throughout our City.”

Funding will be allocated at the discretion of the PAC towards eligible high-quality proposals reviewed in each session until all funds are exhausted.  The amount of available funds fluctuates from year to year, and funding is renewed annually on July 1st. 

This is a ‘Mini-Grant’ funding opportunity for Salem based artists. Individual grants will range from $500-$2,500.  Total available funding for the September review cycle is $12,500. Funding can be used for projects involving a group performance or artist team; however, the applicant/lead artist must be an individual based in Salem, MA.  Eligible projects must be free and open to the public to attend/engage with, take place in Salem, MA on public property, and must be completed by June 30, 2024. 

Types of eligible projects include but are not limited to: musical performances, theatrical performances, poetry/spoken word, performance art, art happenings and/or interventions, temporary and/or permanent public art installations, workshops, etc.  Projects that encourage interactivity and community engagement are strongly desirable.