The Blue Water Arts Committee is requesting grant applications for permanent, outdoor public art in spaces, including private land, that are open and accessible to the public at all times. Art must be located in St. Clair County.
All art will be included as part of a Thumb-wide celebration during the Thumb Art Spark kick-off event in September 2027, but submitted works are not required to come through that website.
Grant Program Details
- Type of outdoor art, the location, the artist, total project budget and approximate timeline the art piece can be completed should already be determined before an application is submitted
- Expenses this grant will cover are costs associated with creating the artwork, installation and artist travel. It will not cover staff time for the applying organization
- Applicants must be able to match at least 50% of the total project cost
- Artists should be paid appropriately for their work
- Art that also acts as a form of marketing will not be considered. For example – a mural promoting a business
Grant Applications
- Must include a rendering of the art piece as well as the history and previous work examples from the artist
- Have estimates showing costs associated with creating and installing the art
- Must have proof the property owner has given permission for the art to be there
- Provide specific details about how you will raise the matching funds needed
Who Can Apply
Nonprofits, governments, schools, churches and for-profit businesses. Pretty much any St. Clair County organization that loves public art and has a place to put it.
Submission Details
Applicants should apply through the Community Foundation online grant portal. If you have questions, please reach out to Audrey Sochor at audrey@stclairfoundation.org.
Complete applications for first round decisions should be submitted by May 21; for second round decisions by July 16 and third round decisions by Oct. 15.
