Art in the Parks Grants

Art in the Parks Grants is sponsored by City of Eugene Cultural Services and Parks and Open Space. Supports individuals and organizations in producing artistic and cultural programming in Eugene's city parks.

Art in the Parks | Eugene, OR Website Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Aloha Festival dancers 2025 Awbrey Park Concert August 2024 Applications are closed for 2026 Visit the Art in the Parks Events page to see 2026 Art in the Parks grant recipient details. Applications for 2027 funding will open in October 2026.

Art in the Parks Fund 2026 Deadline: noon on November 12, 2025 Is there a cultural event you would like to present in a local park? Community-driven events are needed now more than ever to build connections, uplift the soul and share stories and experiences from our increasingly diverse city.

The Art in the Parks Fund invests in community-organized events that activate Eugene parks with support from City of Eugene Cultural Services in partnership with Parks and Open Space. Funding of up to $2,500 for small-scale events and up to $5,000 for large-scale events* will be awarded to organizations or individuals who wish to produce their own quality programming in a Eugene park.

Funding can support a variety of artistic or cultural disciplines, including visual art, dance, music, theatre, film/video/media, multidisciplinary fields, festivals and cultural events. *See the Funding tab for definitions of small- and large-scale events. The 2026 Art in the Parks program seeks to: Steward vibrant, inspiring places that foster personal, community and environmental well-being.

Cultivate a sense of belonging in the park system and pride in historically underrepresented groups such as Eugene’s BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ population, low-income communities, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, youth and seniors. Nurture relationships and promote cultural exchange through arts experiences that honor and celebrate diversity while striving to inspire empathy, understanding, dialogue, wonder and curiosity.

Fund large-scale events, which are predominantly at Alton Baker Park, as well as events of all sizes happening within City of Eugene Parks. Deadline for submissions was noon on November 12, 2025 Read the tabs below before submitting your entry. Art in the Parks supports small- and large-scale events.

The 2026 funding cycle has a total of almost $40,000, provided by Cultural Services to award to selected recipients. Please see below to determine if you are eligible to apply as a small- or large-scale event: Small-scale events are events in which a Fire Operational Permit * is not required. Small-scale events may apply for up to $2,500 of funding or may be partially funded.

Large-scale events are events in which a Fire Operational Permit * is required. Large-scale events are defined as including any of the elements that require a Fire Operational Permit in your event. Large-scale events may apply for up to $5,000 of funding per year or may be partially funded.

* A Fire Operational Permit is most commonly required when the number of tables or booths exceed 10, cooking or food carts are involved or when the display area exceeds 500 square feet. This list is not fully inclusive, view additional elements that require a Fire Operational Permit . The Art in the Parks grant is open to all organizations and individuals headquartered/physically residing within Lane County.

Proposed programming must take place between April 1 and Oct. 31, 2026. Programs should be made as accessible as possible for community members.

If the event is not free to attend, then a portion of tickets must be offered for free or on a sliding scale. Applicants must provide a 1:1 cash, in-kind and/or volunteer time match for the project that equals the amount of your Art in the Parks grant award (i.e., if the City awards you $1,000 then you must also contribute at least $1,000 toward your project costs).

Your total match amount should consist of one or any combination of the following: Cash: either already secured or additional funds you anticipate raising through sponsorships or other fundraising. In-Kind: this includes donated materials and supplies, valued at full retail or rental cost. Volunteer time: value each hour of volunteer time given to the project at the nationally-established rate of $34.

79 per hour. You can choose to use in-kind or volunteer time as 100% of your match. Applicants may submit proposals for as many as two programs, but are only eligible to receive funding for one.

Each program must have its own complete and separate proposal. There cannot be an open litigation or claim with the City of Eugene. Previously funded programs, artists and organizations are eligible to re-apply, but not until their previously funded programs have been completed and reports have been submitted.

City of Eugene employees are not eligible to apply for this grant but can be involved with organizations or groups led by non-City employees that do apply. Events in the Park Blocks are not eligible for this grant but may be eligible for a Downtown Program Fund grant. Please see Downtown Program Fund to learn more.

The applicant must be able to obtain liability insurance as a requirement of holding an event on City land. Liability insurance information . Read the tabs on eligibility, selection criteria and timeline to learn more about the Art in the Parks Grant.

Prepare before filling out your application by reviewing the list of application questions (PDF) . The City can assist in language translation and accept non-digital applications by request. Fill out the Art in the Parks application.

Creating a free account allows you to save your progress and return at a later date. Applications must be submitted by noon (PST) on Nov. 12, 2025 to be considered.

To what extent will the programming: draw people to City of Eugene parks? meet the goals of the Art in the Parks grant fund? Does the applicant demonstrate the capacity to produce the proposed programming and display thoughtful planning?

Does the applicant have experience administering and producing similar programming? Community engagement and impact How does the project contribute to and involve the community the applicant serves? Is the program accessible and welcoming for all community members?

If the program is not free, how is this reflected in the ticket pricing? Has this organizer incorporated sustainability practices into previous events? Does the event encourage alternative methods of transportation?

Does the event use compostable and recyclable goods? Does the event demonstrate other sustainability efforts? Does the budget look thorough and complete?

Does the budget sufficiently capture the elements of the event and seem reasonable? All City of Eugene parks are eligible for the Arts in the Park Grant, except the Downtown Park Blocks (which is eligible for the Downtown Program Fund grant ). Some locations, such as natural areas and neighborhood parks, may require additional review due to environmental sensitivity or proximity to residential areas.

Parks with Featured Amenities Alton Baker Park : shelters, restrooms, electricity, water, overflow parking area Awbrey Park : portable restrooms and electricity Bethel Community Park : shelter, restrooms, electricity, water Downtown Riverfront Park : electricity, performance area, non-potable water, one stall restroom Hendricks Park : shelter, restrooms, electricity Maurie Jacobs Park : restrooms, electricity, performance stage Monroe Park : restrooms, electricity, water Owen Rose Garden : gazebo, restrooms, electricity Santa Clara Community Park : covered area, restrooms.

electricity, water Skinner Butte Park : restrooms Umso Park , formerly Striker Field Park: covered area, restrooms, electricity, water Tugman Park : shelter, restrooms, electricity, water University Park will be under construction and unavailable for Art in the Parks events for the 2026 grant cycle. Community Centers are managed by Eugene Rec and are not eligible for this grant.

If you wish to use a Sports Court located in a park, you must request separate approval directly from Eugene Rec. Amenities like playgrounds, restrooms, parking lots and gardens are not reservable. Some parks do not permit the sale or consumption of alcohol.

Hard liquor is prohibited in all City of Eugene parks and open spaces. For more information on parks that could be a good fit for your event email park rentals or 541-682-4812. If awarded, grant recipients are expected to fulfill the following requirements: Submit all necessary documents as requested by City of Eugene to process the grant and finalize the event.

Conduct the marketing and promotion of their program. Apply for, pay for and obtain all necessary City, County and State permits and associated fees. The grant award can be used to pay for these associated fees.

List of other possible permits . Obtain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate. Additional coverage may be required for activities like inflatables, stages, food trucks, animals or alcohol sales.

Awardees are responsible for securing and paying for the necessary insurance. Schedule borrowed equipment for load-in and load-out with Cultural Services at least 30 days prior to the event. Support from City of Eugene Awardees will receive funds after filling out a W9 form and signing the grant agreement.

In addition to funding, Art in the Parks awardees will also receive: Consultation(s) with City of Eugene’s Cultural Services, Parks and Opens Space and other permitting staff. A park rental fee waiver. Parks and Open Space reserves $15,000 from their fund as park rental fee waivers for all grant awardees.

If the total park rental fees for all grantees is over $15,000, the amount of fees waived per event will be determined by number of grant awardees, scale and scope of events. A marketing toolkit and information about best practices for promoting the event. Access to available City equipment including tables, chairs and canopies.

Does my match need to be 100% cash? What do I do if my expenses and revenue do not match up in the budget? Your total revenue that you show in your budget must match your total expenses.

If your expenses exceed your revenue, consider ways you can increase your revenue sources (ideas for this are listed in the document How to Create Your Event Budget ). If your revenue exceeds your expenses, consider the need for your program. How will your expenses contribute to the long-term success of the participants?

Is this funding essential to your program? What does it uniquely bring to Eugene parks? Am I responsible for paying for the permits for my program?

All awardees are responsible for paying for the necessary permits. Permits may include OLCC permits, Fire Marshal permits, construction permits, etc. See the complete list of other possible permits . Cultural Services staff will be available to advise on permits.

Parks and Open Space reserves $15,000 from their fund as park rental fee waivers for all grant awardees. If the total park rental fees for all grantees is over $15,000, the amount of fees waived per event will be determined by number of grant awardees, scale and scope of events. I have an idea for an event but not a date.

Is that okay? List a date or timeframe on your application (i.e., “one Saturday evening in August”). Knowing your date or timeframe helps the selection committee approve programs that are evenly distributed between April 1 and Oct.

31. If approved, you can work with Cultural Services and Parks and Open Space staff during your advising appointment to select a specific date. I want to include artists in my program, but I’m not sure how much to pay them.

We encourage you to connect with the artists you would like to include in your program before you submit your application. Ask them what their rate is and how they would like to be involved in your program. I want my program to take place outdoors.

How should I plan for inclement weather? It is critical to plan for last-minute changes such as rain or wildfire smoke. Can your program continue using canopy tents or a nearby shelter?

What planning can you put in place now if you need to postpone your program, such as having back-up reservations for visiting artists or a marketing plan to announce a change in date? Why is the 2026 Art in the Parks application due in November if my program won’t be until next summer?

The 2026 Art in the Parks grant timeline begins in fall 2025 in order to allow programming to be included in the 2026 Parks and Open Space reservation system that begins in December 2025. List of Application Questions (PDF) How to Create Your Grant Fund Budget (PDF) Applications must be submitted by noon (PST) on November 12, 2025 to be considered for the 2026 season. Grant awardees will be announced by Dec.

19, 2025. Event dates should be confirmed no later than Jan. 1, 2026 as all parks are open for public reservation after this date.

Programming must occur between April 1 and Oct. 31, 2026. Final event report is due by Nov.

13, 2026 Once you have had some time to think about your project and come up with the key elements, attend this work session to ask your specific questions or bounce ideas off other event planners. Tuesday, Oct. 28 • 4-6 p.

m. In person: Eugene Public Library , 2nd floor Singer Room Online Information Session This online info session, hosted by Community and Cultural Affairs Senior Manager Colette Ramirez, was held on October 1, 2025. In this video, Colette answers questions and provides tips on navigating the grant process.

This video was created last year and includes the previous volunteer rate but is otherwise a useful tool in creating your budget for the 2026 grant. Email Jessica Watson or call her at 541-682-5700. Cultural Services provides responsible and catalytic leadership to support the public’s vision for a thriving arts and cultural sector that contributes to the community’s social and economic well-being.

The Community and Cultural Affairs section of the division believes the arts create a stronger, more vibrant and creative community through shared experiences that uplift the soul and tell the diversity of stories from our communities. Purpose: Parks and Open Space protects, enhances and maintains Eugene’s parks and open spaces for healthy people, community and environment.

Vision: Parks and recreation in Eugene cultivate a system of beautiful, inspiring places that foster personal, community and environmental health. Cultural Services Senior Administrative Specialist