Program Overview

Carbon County Tourism recognizes the economic impact that the arts brings to a community and would like to promote Carbon Corridor, the destination marketing brand for Carbon County. It offers a valuable local and visitor experience that drives people to areas and adds a sense of place in our community. This program is intended to increase the number of public art displayed throughout Carbon County. The ultimate goal is to be able to organize a Public Art Tour map within Carbon County and support our communities in beautifying their areas. The Carbon Corridor team will present eligible projects to the Carbon County Tourism Tax Advisory Board for scoring. The Tourism Tax Advisory Board will make final funding recommendations to the Carbon County Commission. Projects must highlight positive images that complement the community and tourism assets. Applications will be accepted starting February 1, 2024 and are due no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 15, 2024. 

 

Eligibility and Requirements

The art location must be within the Carbon County boundaries. Only one application per project is allowed. The person or entity that owns the land on which the art will be placed must submit an application in conjunction with the Artist. The application must include a plan for the upkeep and maintenance of the art piece and costs associated. All public art is required to be outside. A rendering of the art will need to be approved by Carbon Corridor prior to work commencing. This grant is intended only for new public art projects and is not designed to restore or be used for the upkeep of an existing project. The Carbon Corridor logo must be placed on the art. The intent of the logo is not to detract from the artwork itself, but must be visible enough to recognize Carbon Corridor as a sponsor. Businesses are only allowed one award each calendar year. Cities can submit and be awarded more than one grant per calendar year, but after the first application is received, priority will be given to other first time applicants, and only considered if funding is still available. 

• Grant requests cannot exceed $10,000.00 (Grant requested amount, not total project cost).
  • 75% of funds will be given upon award
  • 25% will be paid upon completion of the project when the final report is submitted
  • Funds will be paid directly to the main applicant
• Grant funds must be matched by a business, artist, or city. Matching can be an in-kind contribution. 
• Public art pieces must be located on an exterior wall or in the outdoors 
• Projects must be completed by June 1, 2025. In the event the project is not complete by this date, the applicant shall pay back the County in full the total amount of grant funds received.
• Grant application period will open on February 1, 2024 and close on March 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM MT.
• Award letters will be sent, no later than April 1, 2024.
• In the event more applications are submitted than available grant funding, grants will be awarded to the highest scoring applicants until funds run out.  
• If awarded, any social media or other marketing efforts done surrounding this project, must mention Carbon Corridor as a sponsor.
• Applicant will provide Carbon County hi resolution images of the completed artwork and give Carbon County full usage rights on all images submitted.  

APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

•  Engaging the Community (40 pts)
  • Will the public art draw locals and tourists to the artwork and encourage pictures and social media posts?
  • Is the proposed public art appealing and does it highlight positive images that complement the community and tourism assets?
• Beautification (25 pts)
  • Will the proposed public art add beautification and complement the area and surrounding businesses?
  • Does the applicant have a dependable plan in place for the upkeep of the public art and costs associated.
• Location of Public Art (25 pts)
  • Is the proposed public art  location in a high traffic area?
  • Is the proposed location easily accessible?  
• Creates Partnerships (10 pts)
  • Does the project involve multiple partners, including either a City, business or local artist? 

*Applications must score over 75 points to be considered for funding.  

 

 Reporting Requirements if awarded

The following must be submitted with the final invoice to receive the remaining grant funds.

1. Hi-res image(s) of the completed project
2. Breakdown and proof of how funds were spent 
3. Proof of Carbon Corridor logo on the public art
4. List of all marketing efforts highlighting the project