[New England Foundation for the Arts](https://www.nefa.org)

December 2026 (Public Art for Spatial Justice application deadline, projected)

$15,000–$30,000 per project; up to 24 months for project completion

Supports Massachusetts-based artists and organizations to create public art projects that advance spatial justice in public spaces.

Lead applicant must be Massachusetts-based; all artistic disciplines welcome.

--- ## Description The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) offers support for public art through its Public Art for Spatial Justice program, which funds projects that creatively express and embody a more just vision for public spaces in Massachusetts. The program emphasizes the importance of diverse cultural and artistic expressions, especially from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and encourages projects that engage the public realm and advance equity and inclusion. Grants are awarded to Massachusetts-based artists and organizations collaborating with artists, supporting both the creation and implementation of public art projects that cultivate expressions or embodiments of spatial justice. The program also seeks to foster dynamic public art practices, nurture artists as civic leaders, and strengthen a community of practice through partnerships and knowledge sharing. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated/projected): Public Art for Spatial Justice application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from **$15,000 to $30,000** per project. - Funded projects may span up to **24 months** for completion. - Funds are distributed in three installments: 45% at project start, 45% after an interim check-in, and 10% upon final report approval. --- ## Eligibility - **Lead applicant must be Massachusetts-based**—either an individual artist (18+), a group of artists, or a community-based organization collaborating with artist(s). - Projects must take place in Massachusetts and be accessible to the general public. - All artistic disciplines are eligible, including visual, performative, and ritual-based practices. - Priority is given to projects led or co-led by BIPOC artists and those deeply rooted in community or place, particularly rural or displaced communities. - Applicants cannot apply if: - The lead applicant is based outside Massachusetts. - The project is located outside Massachusetts. - The lead applicant is a current grantee who has not completed their report. - Past grantees must wait a full calendar year after their final report approval before reapplying. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via NEFA’s online grant portal. - The process includes: - Completing the application by the anticipated deadline. - Notification of awards typically occurs in late winter following the deadline. - Grantees must participate in an initial check-in, an interim check-in (required for the second payment), and submit a final report (required for the final payment). - Grant funds are considered taxable income and grantees will receive a 1099 form. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are evaluated on public artmaking, relevance, and integrity, with a focus on centering humanity, trust, and accountability. - NEFA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or other protected classifications. - If payment timing presents economic hardship, grantees are encouraged to contact the Public Art Team to discuss options. --- ## External Links - [NEFA Public Art Program Page](https://www.nefa.org/grants/grant-programs/public-art) - [Public Art for Spatial Justice Program Details](https://www.nefa.org/CreateSpatialJustice) - [Application Portal](https://nefaorg.my.site.com/grants/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fgrants%2Fs%2F) - [Preview Grantee Report Questions](https://www.nefa.org/preview-public-art-spatial-justice-grantee-report-questions) - [Learn about Spatial Justice (DS4SI Zine)](https://www.ds4si.org/writings/spatialjustice-zine) - [Past Grant Recipients](https://www.nefa.org/grants/grant-recipients-filtered?keyword-filter=&grant-program-filter%5B11497%5D=11497&items_per_page=120) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | General Contact | [info@nefa.org](mailto:info@nefa.org) | | Phone | 617-951-0010 | | Online Contact | [Contact NEFA](https://www.nefa.org/contact) |

Public Art

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