To foster creativity and continue to enhance public access to the arts in Iowa City, the city’s Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) has opened applications for the 2026 Matching Grant fund program.
The Public Art Advisory Committee will award matching grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 for qualifying projects. According to a release, applicants must demonstrate total project costs between $1,000 and $6,000 to qualify for the 50/50 match funding.
Eligible projects include visual, audio and performance-based artworks that will be displayed or presented in Iowa City with free public access. Organizations, schools, artists, businesses and individuals may apply when the application window opens Jan. 12.
Grant funds can cover materials and supplies for artwork creation, artist wages or stipends, and contract labor for installation or site preparation. Applicants may count other non-city grants, donations, personal contributions and in-kind services toward their matching requirement.
The program excludes several categories of projects, including regular programming by applicants, events without arts as the primary focus, projects intended to influence public policy or promote religious beliefs, for-profit business advertising, ticketed events and fundraising activities. Site acquisition fees and food or beverage costs are also ineligible.
Selected recipients will receive funding announcements in April. All funded projects must reach completion before the end of 2026.
The committee has scheduled a virtual information session for noon on Jan. 28 via Zoom to outline application requirements and answer questions from prospective applicants. Registration is required for the live session, though a recording will be posted online afterward.
Applications must be submitted online by 3 p.m. on March 2, 2026. City officials encourage early submission to avoid potential technical difficulties. The city has posted submission guidelines, a scoring rubric and frequently asked questions at www.icgov.org/PublicArt.
