Grant Opportunities

In the past 5 years, MVAAC has awarded nearly $18,000 directly stimulating the local creative economy

Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community that helps us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. It brings beauty and inspiration and encourages conversation. We feel honored to support projects in our community through the distribution of small grants that enhance the creative quality of life.

Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail

In partnership with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation and the City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council is seeking Requests for Proposals for the next pieces in the sculpture trail in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The sculpture trail will be an ongoing project and new pieces of artwork will be added on an annual basis. Four sculptures were installed in 2023.

Interested artists should review our Request for Propsoals document to submit their interest. The chosen finalist(s) will work with the selection committee to install their piece by the end of 2024.

Ongoing Grant Opportunities

The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) created its grant program to encourage and support the arts in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon area; projects must serve these communities. To be considered, applications must be submitted on current application forms with all requirements met.  

Applications are typically reviewed at the Council’s first regular meeting following submission. The Council meets the second Wednesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. For time and place contact MVartcouncil@gmail.com.

Applicants will be notified of Council action – approval or denial -- via email.

Grant Details

Maximum request for funds is $500 unless the Council makes an exemption such as a sculpture on public property or a mural on a highly visible structure. Exemptions may also occur when a MVAAC donor has specified use of funds.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

  • Materials and supplies necessary for artwork/performance

  • Fee/stipend/expenses for artists/performers

  • Contract labor for installation, prep work, etc.

  • Transportation, fees, etc. associated with arts education projects

Recipient Requirements

Grant recipients shall:

  • Acknowledge MVAAC in project/program promotional materials, programs, announcements, etc. with credit line and logo, if applicable.

  • Document project with:

    • digital photographs

    • project summary (on form provided)

    • copies of printed materials with MVAAC logo/credit line

Eligibility

Must benefit the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community as indicated in the organization’s by-laws:

  1. To promote and support the arts.

  2. To promote arts resources through a variety of educational programs and events.

  3. To develop and maintain suitable artistic programs.

  4. To serve the citizens of Mount Vernon-Lisbon by assisting and interacting with other public service agencies to promote the arts in local schools, colleges, and the general community.

Also:

  • Must be free, accessible and viewable to the public; cannot directly profit an individual or business.

  • Must be visual, audio or performance-based projects/programs.

  • Must be installed/completed within 90 days following approval unless an extension is granted.

Application Priorities

  • Projects must have artistic, educational and/or cultural value that are not currently being addressed in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon area.

  • Projects must be accessible to community members.

  • Project/program goals must be altruistic and not designed for personal/business profit or growth.

  • Match is not required but priority will be given to applicants showing in-kind and/or cash match.

  • Priority will be given to applicants not funded in previous 12 months.