ARPA for the Arts to Provide St. Louis City with 28 New Murals by Summer 2024
With a Total Investment of Almost $1.5M, Each Ward Will Receive Two Murals Created by Local Artists
(St. Louis, MO) – The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL), in partnership with the City of St. Louis, is facilitating the creation of 28 new murals throughout St. Louis City by summer 2024. Utilizing funds from the ARPA for the Arts initiative, up to $92,560 has been allocated for each of the city’s 14 wards. Every ward will receive two murals created by a local artist residing in St. Louis City. Referred to as the St. Louis Mural Project, this major effort to foster community engagement and beautify the city will result in a total investment of almost $1.5M.
“Creativity and community pride are part of the foundation of our great city,” said Vanessa Cooksey, President & CEO of RACSTL. “The St. Louis Mural Project represents a significant, collaborative effort that will further elevate St. Louis’ status as a national destination for breathtaking public art.”
To be considered, artists must submit a grant application found on RACSTL’s website by Thursday, Mar. 14. Selection of the artists and mural locations are being managed by RACSTL’s ARPA for the Arts team, in close consultation with representatives from the city’s Board of Aldermen and public art specialists. Artists will be the sole recipients of awarded funds.
The subject matter of the murals is open to the artists’ creativity, but they must adhere to certain criteria. Artists must incorporate an aspect of community engagement, such as giving residents of the ward an opportunity to provide input or allowing residents to contribute to painting the mural. Alternatively, artists may showcase an aspect of the ward that is historically significant.
To be eligible to receive this grant, applicants must be at least 18 years old, must be a current resident of St. Louis City as well as held residency in St. Louis City during Mar. – Dec. 2020. Artists are strongly encouraged to visit RACSTL’s website at www.racstl.org/stlouismuralproject to review the grant guidelines in their entirety.
“This is about bringing residents together, uplifting the community and giving visitors yet another incredible, free arts attraction to enjoy when they come to St. Louis,” said Jay Scherder, Communications Senior Manager at RACSTL. “Going to see each mural will be a great way to experience the city’s eclectic, welcoming neighborhoods.”
St. Louis Mural Project Timeline
– February 1, 2024: Grant applications open
– March 14, 2024: Grant application deadline
– Mid-April, 2024: Locations of murals will be announced
– Early May, 2023: Selected artists will be announced
– Mid-summer, 2024: Project completion; all murals finished
About the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Since 1985, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis has gifted more than $120 million to 7,200+ artists and arts organizations. In 2023, RACSTL awarded almost $4.5 million in grant funding, one of the largest grant allocations in its history. In Oct. 2022, RACSTL received $10.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the passage of Board Bill #66. St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura O. Jones initiated the legislation that received unanimous approval from the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen as well as support from Comptroller Darlene Green. The Community Development Administration (CDA) partners with RAC on the administration and monitoring of the ARPA for the Arts funds.
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