The Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) New Artworks Grant offers funding to artists and organizations to support the planning, creation, and installation of new local public art projects.

  • Planning Grants: $10,000
  • Project Grants: up to $30,000

Please review our PAAM How to Apply Webinar recording and slides.

How to Apply webinar - recording

How to Apply webinar - slide deck

For technical assistance and further public art professional development, register for our PAAM Grant Office Hours, hosted noon to 1 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Click here to register.

 

Applicants must be a/an:

  • Independent Artist (for Planning Grants)

    • Artists seeking Project Grant funding must partner with any of the following below:

Organizations or Arts Programs (for Planning or Project Grants)

  • 501(c)3 nonprofit organization 

  • Unit of government 

  • College or university 

  • School

Planning Grant awards up to $10,000 to support independent artists or organizations creating public art proposals with communities.

Project Grant awards up to $30,000 to organizations to support the fabrication and installation of new public artwork. The artwork must have been developed through a community process, and be fully designed including identification of the artist(s) creating the work.

MSAC utilizes a multi-disciplinary, statewide grant panel to electronically review and score applications. 

Before submitting a completed application, refer to the FY24 New Artworks Scoring Rubric, which will be available soon, for the complete scoring criteria panelists use to evaluate applications.

PAAM New Artworks Planning Grants may be used for:

  • Administrative fees related to community activities and/or selection of the artist 
  • Artist fees and/or honorariums for artwork design and proposal development  
  • Consultant fee(s)
  • Facility/equipment rentals for community  meetings
  • Online application software fees

PAAM New Artworks Project Grants may be used:

  • Paying artists, fabricators, and individuals to fabricate and install the public artwork
  • Renting equipment and/or space needed for fabrication and/or installation
  • Purchasing artwork materials and/or tools for fabrication and/or installation
  • Transportation of the artwork to the site
  • Administration/Project Management fee may not exceed 15% of the project budget

Independent Artists or Organizations apply via the secure online grants application software SmartSimple. Log in or create a free account at marylandarts.smartsimple.com.

  • Applicants are required to complete and submit their applications by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature.
  • Technical support for SmartSimple is available during regular office hours.
  • Lost, misdirected or late applications are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
  • Applicants must meet all revision deadlines after submission, as specified in writing, or the application will be withdrawn.

Final Reports: All grantees must submit a final report in SmartSimple within 30 days of the project completion date as listed in the Applicant’s Project Schedule. The report contains a brief summary of the project, final budget, completed project photos, and data requirements of the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts). 

  • Planning Grant recipients must complete the public art project planning grant within 12 months from grant award notification. A final report is due within 30 days of completion of planning.
  • Project Grant recipients must complete the proposed public art project within 18 months of grant award notification. A final report is due within 30 days of the dedication and completion of the project.

A final report must be submitted before a new PAAM New Artworks Grant application may be submitted. Failure to submit reports may jeopardize current and/or future MSAC grants and may result in repayment of grant funds back to the State of Maryland. Before any funds are distributed, Public Art Across Maryland grantees are also required to submit any outstanding reports/requirements for any other MSAC grants they have received.