Creativity and community pride are part of the foundation of St. Louis. It’s who we are – as if it’s baked into the brick found throughout this historic city. That innate passion for place, people and artistic expression will come together in summer 2024 through the St. Louis Mural Project, a visionary initiative that embraces collaboration, beautification, and support for local artists.
All 14 wards, 2 new murals in each ward, and 28 total murals will transform the city – all created by STL artists.
This grant application is currently closed.
resources
(click the items below)
- St. Louis Mural Project Grant Guidelines
- Suggested Mural Budgets by Size & Sample Budget
- Budget Template Form
- Frequently Asked Questions
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- Please note this is modeled after a grant application process rather than a conventional public art process due to the fast-paced timeline of distributing federal ARPA funding.
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE MURALS IS OPEN BUT MUST ADDRESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) Incorporate an aspect of community engagement (e.g. the mural could be painted by members of the community, the community could provide input on subject matter, or residents could help plan a community celebration event); OR
(2) Showcase historical significance of the ward in which the mural is located.
Individual artists who apply must be a current resident of St. Louis City as well as held residency in St. Louis City during March – December 2020.
Artists who have prior experience producing murals or other forms of community art will be more competitive. However, all artists are encouraged to apply.
General Liability Insurance and Personal Injury Certificate are required within two weeks of the acceptance of the application (if the artist is chosen) to ensure protection of their project and materials, or the application will be declined.
The artist will be the sole recipient of funds awarded for the completion of the mural.
HOW TO APPLY
THIS APPLICATION
IS CLOSED
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For technical assistance when using the grant making system, please email MS_RACSTL_Grantmaking@blackbaud.com
frequently asked questions
What is the St. Louis Mural Project?
RACSTL, in partnership with the City of St. Louis, is providing St. Louis Mural Project Grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for eligible St. Louis City working artists. The St. Louis Mural Project Grant provides a unique opportunity for local artists and community members to meaningfully participate in creative placemaking and provides an arts and culture experience for St. Louis residents and visitors.
The St. Louis Mural Project Grant is a one-time grant to working artists for the purpose of creating a mural that represents one of the fourteen (14) St. Louis City wards. Each ward will be represented by two murals, for a total of twenty-eight (28) murals.
The murals will be dispersed throughout the wards, and artists will be asked to identify a specific ward location for their work. Subject matter is open but must address one of the following (1) incorporate an aspect of community engagement (e.g. the mural could be painted by members of the community, the community could provide input on subject matter, or help plan a community celebration event), OR (2) showcase historical ward significance. By contract of the Community Development Association (CDA) and the Federal Government, this project is reserved for murals only.
Who can apply?
Individual artists who apply must be a current resident of St. Louis City as well as held residency in St. Louis City during March – December 2020. Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the grant guidelines. Artists who have prior experience producing murals or other forms of community art will be more competitive, however all artists are encouraged to apply. The artist will be the sole recipient of awarded funds for the completion of the mural.
What are the requirements?
Eligible artists must meet the following requirements:
- The artist is 18 years of age or older
- The artist is a current resident of St. Louis City (verifiable documentation is a requirement and one item from the following list will need to be uploaded in the application)
- Proof of Residency Document #1 (Please make sure your current address matches your current ID)
- Motor Vehicle or Driver License Renewal Postcard
- Unexpired Missouri Driver License
- Nondriver License
- State-issued Identification Card
- Current Voter Registration Card
- Income Tax or Personal Property Tax Receipt
- General Liability Insurance and Personal Injury Certificate are required within two weeks of the acceptance of the application (if the artist is chosen) to ensure protection of their project and materials, or the application will be declined.
- The artist must provide a “Covid-19 proof of negative impact” statement and provide proof of residency in St. Louis City during the time of loss (March – December 2020). In addition, the artists’ current primary residence must be in a St. Louis City Ward. If you are unsure, please click here to check the City of St. Louis ward map.
How much grant money is allotted to each ward?
Each ward will have up to $92,560 for the completion of two (2) murals. Each Alderperson will select two applications for their ward based on the $92,560 available.
The total amount of funding available for the St. Louis Mural Project Grant is $1,480,953. Applicants can apply for a specific mural size with a corresponding and editable budget template. The funds will be distributed solely to the individual mural artist directly from RACSTL.
What is the application review process?
The application portal will open Feb. 1, 2024, and close Mar. 14, 2024. The application will be open for six (6) weeks. Please see the timeline below for important dates.
Once a completed application is submitted, the ARPA for the Arts team will process the application. Then, the ARPA for the Arts team will meet with the Alderpersons and public art specialists to discuss and choose two murals for each ward, totaling twenty-eight murals (28 applicants).
If an application is complete, it will be processed by the ARPA for the Arts team. If there are issues with an application or if it is incomplete, the ARPA for the Arts team will contact the applicant via the Blackbaud Grants Management System as well as send a direct email to the contact email address provided in the application.
What is the timeline?
Application/Form & Criteria Published….. 2/1/24
Application/Form Deadline Date….. 3/14/24
Staff Analysis of Applications by Ward….. 3/15/24 – 3/29/24
Alderperson Meetings – Final Proposals Chosen….. 3/25/24 – 4/14/24
Awardees Notified – Terms & Conditions Agreements Signed by Artist….. Week of 4/15/24 – 4/22/24
Email Introductions (Artist & Alderpersons)….. Week of 4/22/24
ARPA for the Arts Team Check-Ins….. May – June 2024
All Murals Complete….. July 31, 2024
Reporting….. 9/30/24
