Public Art Grants

Public Art Grants is sponsored by Downtown Lexington Management District (DLMD). The Downtown Lexington Management District (DLMD) provides grant funding for organizations and/or artists to assist with the cost of producing a public art project or program.

Public Art Grants - Downtown Lexington Management District | Lexington, KY Brian Powers 2026-03-30T21:43:12-04:00 DLMD will provide grant funding for organizations and/or artists to assisting with the cost of producing a public art project or program that helps to visibly showcase the DLMD and in support of its mission as well as contribute to the arts and cultural landscape within the defined boundaries of the District.

To reference these boundaries, the mission statement and map can be found here. DLMD will provide grants ranging from $500 up to $10,000 based on applicant’s requested amount, DLMD Art Committee’s review criteria as well as any other discretionary considerations and availability of funds.

Amounts awarded up to $2,500 to be matched with dollar/in-kind/sweat equity at the ratio of 50/50 and amounts $2,501 – $10,000 at the ratio of 70/30, with the greater amount being DLMD’s contribution. 50% of the grant will be paid upon application approval with the 50% balance to be paid upon project/program completion and final report submission. Applications will be reviewed twice a year, funding availability permitting.

All Projects/Programs are to be completed within a year of funding award. Delays, deferments and extension requests to be made solely at the discretion of DLMD. In the event a project or program fails to be completed, the grantee is subject to full repayment of any monies received.

Artists 18 years of age or older residing in Lexington, KY or one of the surrounding counties or a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating in Lexington, KY or one of the surrounding counties are eligible to apply for funding. It is NOT a pre-requisite that artists/organizations have successfully completed at least one public art project, but it is preferable and will be taken into consideration.

The application provides an opportunity to submit additional information in support of your request and credibility. Applicants must fill out and submit the Grant Request Form. Additional support material and suggested documentation can be submitted at that time.

Suggested but not mandatory: Letters of project/program support Grant applications will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria.

Benefits to the DLMD’s visibility and mission fulfillment – 40% Benefits to the Community as a Public Artwork – 30% Overall Appeal of Project and Artistic Merit – 20% Viability of Project Completion – 10% The DLMD Art Committee will perform the initial review before taking their recommendations to the full Board for final approval and a vote to provide funding.

Requirements after Funding Artists will be required to sign and return the Grant Agreement Form agreeing to the terms and conditions of the grant. All projects/programs must be accessible to people with disabilities. Upon completion of the project/program the grantee must submit a final report to receive balance of funding due.

Upon completion of the project/program the grantee must submit a final report to receive balance of funding due. For more information, please contact DLMD at 1-844-DLMD or info@dlmd. org.

DLMD Public Art Grant Application