Richmond community organizations can now apply for grants to partner with artists on creative projects.
The 2026–2027 Engaging Artists in Community Program offers an opportunity for non-profit organizations, service groups, community associations, libraries and schools to collaborate with a professional artist or team of artists on a project that addresses a relevant issue or topic of concern.
Groups with an arts-focused mandate, however, are not eligible to apply.
Commissioned projects will aim to engage culturally diverse and multigenerational audiences with $12,000 going to the commissioned artist or artist team.
Last year’s projects addressed ecological history in Visions of Biophilia by Desirée Patterson, in partnership with the Richmond Nature Park Society; neuro-diversity among youth in Express Yourself by Keely O’Brien, in partnership with Aspire Richmond and Richmond Public Library; and flood protection in Hidden Stories of the Bioverse by Andrea Hoff, in partnership with Dixon Elementary School.
Artist projects may be public performances, sculptures, participatory art installations, hands-on art activities, workshops, exhibitions, digital media-based artwork or other.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, Nov. 13. The year-long projects can begin as early as next June.
Selected applicants will be notified in November and city staff will work with them to develop the artist opportunity and participate in the artist selection process.
Interested organizations are encouraged to contact [email protected] or call 604-204-8671 in advance of submitting an application.
To access the PDF application form, visit the Engaging Artists webpage.
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