Regional Arts and Culture Councilgrant
RACC Public Art Murals Program (City of Portland)
- Who Can Apply: Individual artists or artist groups, curators selecting artists, students in art programs at degree-granting institutions, neighborhood associations, citizen-based groups/organizations, LLCs, nonprofits, and private developers proposing outdoor murals within City of Portland boundaries.
- The Focus: Approval and matching funds for exterior wall murals visible from the public right-of-way in Portland.
- The Funding: Matching funds up to $5,000 (up to $2,500 for students); individual artists need no 1:1 match; no application fee; every project pays a $75 easement processing fee.
- Key Requirements: Notify RACC of your intention to apply (4-6 weeks ahead for an artist-focus mural, 3-6 months for a community-partner mural); completed online application; one color image each of the proposed concept, the overall building/mural wall, and the proposed mural on the wall; up to 6 images of past work per designing artist with an image list (or a website/social media link); résumé or bio for each design artist; property-owner letter committing to sign the Art Easement; letters of support from the neighborhood association and community partners; and a project budget. Supplementary materials are due within seven days of the online application.
DeadlineRolling deadline
AwardUp to $5,000 in matching funds per project (up to $2,500 for students enrolled in an art program at a degree-granting institution). Individual artist applicants are not required to provide a 1:1 match; business/organization applicants are. Full requested funding is rarely awarded.
Application fee$0
Cost to attendProjects are charged $75 for easement processing.
LocationPortland, OR
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesAll Stages
DisciplinesMurals, Public art, Mosaic, Bas relief
Application notesProperty owners must provide a signed/notarized Art Easement Form recorded with Multnomah County. Murals approved through the program become part of the City's public art collection for as long as the Art Easement remains in effect. Projects must begin within one year of award; approved applicants need liability insurance naming the City of Portland and RACC as additional insureds. RACC staff, Board members, Public Art Committee members, and Public Art Murals Committee members are not eligible.
Contactpublicartmurals@racc.org
Regional Arts and Culture Council
Organization based in Portland