Iowans Create Community Mural Program
The Iowans Create Community Mural Program funds Iowa artists and small communities to collaboratively design and install original murals highlighting local culture and identity.
Funder: Iowa Arts and Culture
Due Dates: October 15, 2025 | October 28, 2026 | October 30, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per mural project; covers all project costs for selected community and artist.
Summary: Connects Iowa artists with communities (pop. ≤20,000) to collaboratively create original public murals reflecting local culture and identity.
Description
The Iowans Create Community Mural Program, administered by Iowa Arts and Culture (a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority), funds the creation of original, site-specific murals in Iowa communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. The program pairs selected Iowa artists or artist teams with eligible communities to design and install a mural that showcases the community’s unique creative and cultural identity, fosters civic pride, and activates public spaces. The process is highly collaborative, with artists engaging in multiple meetings with community members to ensure authentic representation and community input throughout planning, design, and execution. Both artists and communities apply through separate, competitive application processes.
