Salem Launches Public Art, Performance Grant Program

SALEM, MA — A grant program designed to support artists and creatives to develop displays and performances on public property will pay up to $2,500 per artist to Salem-based artists through the Public Art Commission.

The total municipal funding for the "mini-grant" program is $12,500 with grants between $500 and $2,500 awarded to individuals or teams designing art or performances that are free and open to the public, and take place on Salem public property, by June 30, 2024.

"Salem is a community with a vibrant and active creative culture," Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate some of the outstanding artists in our community, and gives us all a chance to celebrate and enjoy their work throughout our city."

Eligible projects include musical performances, theatrical performances, poetry/spoken word, performance art, art happenings and/or interventions, temporary and/or permanent public art installations, and workshops.

Projects that encourage interactivity and community engagement are strongly preferred.

The application deadline is Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. for the September review cycle. Applications will be reviewed and selected in the September Public Art Commission Meeting held on Sept. 14 via Zoom.

Proposals are reviewed twice a year in the Public Art Commission’s regular March and September meetings.

Those looking to apply for the grants can do so here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)