Applicants may apply as an individual or as a group. The primary contact person should submit the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and live and/or work in Durham County. We strongly encourage individuals who represent historically marginalized populations to apply.

Projects must take place outdoors in Downtown Durham, an area defined by this map. Spring projects and will be scheduled between April and July, and Fall projects will be scheduled between September and December. Projects should last between 3 hours (think performance, public meal, storytelling event) to 5 years (think installation, mural, sculpture). Once selected, grantees will work with DDI staff to identify suitable locations, dates, and times for their projects.

Grants are made for $3,000 or $5,000. DDI will fund 75% of project budget; applicants’ 25% contribution may be cash or in-kind contributions of time or materials. Eligible costs include fees for the creators/artists, installation and teardown, and as well as all costs related to the production and execution of the project. Funding may not cover the purchase of alcohol. Funding may cover the cost of food/beverage if food/beverages are 1) a key component of the public art or 2) constitute less than 5% of total project budget and related to a public event or volunteer compensation

We have a worksheet you can download here to work out your budget for this project.

The committee aims to select a broad range of projects. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Feasibility: Can this project be executed in public space with the funds provided?

Impact: Projects can demonstrate impact a number of ways including

- the longevity of a project (ie. transforming a public space for a long period of time)

- the potential for a project to influence perception or practice (ie. encouraging foot-traffic, forging new partnerships, engaging underserved populations, educating the public, or supporting the local economy)

- or the ingenuity of a proposal, among others.

Accessibility: Access is defined as the perceived and real ability for any person to appreciate and engage in a project regardless of age, ability, political belief, economic status, race, sex, gender expression, religion, language etc.

What is your project idea? (2 sentences) This is your elevator pitch. Give us a high-level idea of what your project will consist of.

What do you want your project to do? (5 sentences) Public Space Projects should have a goal of addressing a need or a challenge or an opportunity in the Durham community.

How will you make this a reality? (2 paragraphs) This is the nuts and bolts. How are you going to pull off this project? What are participants going to experience?

Which amount are you applying for? $3,000 / $5,000 We recommend paying all artists at least $14/hour. You can download a budget worksheet here.

Do you live and/or work in Durham County? Y/N

First and last name

Email address

3 images uploaded (optional) You can include images here to show your past related work or give us a better idea of your proposed project

Website/social media links (optional)

Entry must be free of charge, but vending may occur at sole liability of applicant and with all necessary permits/licenses.

• Provide a W-9 to DDI at least 4 weeks before first project payment
• Provide narrative description of project to DDI for marketing and sponsorship purposes
• Identify and hire any collaborators and/or sub-contractors; create/execute signed contracts with subs.
• Working with DDI staff, provide list of needed materials, permits, and remuneration budget
• Promote and publicize project using DDI-created marketing materials and event pages
• Attend one to two meetings as required and requested by DDI to present ideas and progress
• Provide final written plan at least 4 weeks prior to project commencement for a project that engages the public, is tailored to the site, and is in line with project goals. Plans should include: day-of play-by-play, spatial plan, installation/tear-down plan, and inclement weather plan.
• Attend the entire project, or have representative present, and manage installation and teardown
• Contribute to event summary discussion/report

In addition to funding, DDI will support grantees by assisting with:

- Guidance on spatial and property logistics including permitting

- Facilitate neighborhood, property, and business owner buy-in

- Online and print media marketing and promotion

- Photo documentation and sandwich board signage

• Applicant may cancel up to three weeks before project date. DDI will not reimburse any dollar amount spent if applicant cancels Project.
• DDI may cancel project at any time if one or more of the following conditions exist:
  • The space is not usable due to external circumstances such as natural or other public emergency.
  • The actual project by grant recipient differs from the proposed and approved project proposal
  • Grant recipient violates any agreement with DDI
  • The Project is in violation of public laws or policies or is likely to cause damage to people or property
  • DDI’s funding for the Public Space Project is revoked.
  • If DDI cancels the project because of any of the above reasons, DDI will not accept responsibility or liability for losses incurred by grant recipient or sub-contractors.
• DDI will disburse 50% of funding amount before the start of the project and the remainder by project completion. Payment plan may be adjustable upon request.
• In case of inclement weather, projects will be moved indoors or rescheduled on a case-by-case basis.
• Applicant retains the copyrights to the project and may present the work again elsewhere. However, DDI retains the right to record/photograph any part of the project for archival and publicity purposes only.

Let's talk! Please email [email protected]

Yes, please! We encourage folks to reach out if they have any questions or want feedback on their ideas.

Email [email protected] or call 919.682.2800. We're here to help!