ABOUT PUBLIC ART

Since 1998, NEFA’s public art program has supported public projects that stem from artist and community partnerships. Though the term ‘public art’ may refer to a wide variety of artistic expressions in the public realm, NEFA is focused on those that engage community members with professional artists towards the creation of site-specific, contemporary art work. To support community engaging public art, NEFA awards grants and develops network opportunities to strengthen the field.

All of NEFA’s public art grants are awarded for the planning and development or implementation stages of a public art project. Public art grants are made to community-based nonprofit organizations for their engagement with professional artists. Organizations leading public art projects represent a range of sectors, including: the arts, the environment, health care, community development, youth, and education. Artists work collaboratively with the community and represent a range of disciplines including: sculptors, painters, media artists, performing artists, landscape architects and interdisciplinary artists. Please reference the grants available for specific organization and artist eligibility requirements.

NEFA seeks to support the field of public art in New England through network opportunities as well as grants. NEFA’s past network activity has included public art presentations, workshops and a symposium around best practices and model projects in the field. Today, NEFA supports network opportunities through the NEFA Network and a public art discussion series to encourage face-to-face dialogue around critical issues in the field. To complement NEFA’s public art grants, organization and artist grantees receive technical assistance and professional development training.

FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Anonymous
Jane’s Trust
Fund for the Arts, a public art program of the New England Foundation for the Arts
National Park Service
State Arts Agencies of New England