The Community Arts Grant Program is funded by the City of Helotes Economic Development Corporation and managed by the Community Arts Grant Committee. The Community Arts Grant Program provides funding to Helotes-based arts and cultural organizations as well as individual artists of public art displays.

All submittals will be reviewed by the Community Arts Grant Committee. Official notification of grant status (approved or declined) will be sent out no later than August 2024.

Beautify and add character to the city

Create a local landmark that inspires people to take photos and share on social media

Enhance the growing collection of art

The number of public art projects awarded funding is dependent on the funds available and the number of applicants submitting each year. Whenever possible, organizations receiving a Community Arts Grant are expected to acknowledge this support in programs, press releases, and advertisements with the following language: “The Helotes Economic Development Corporation provided grants funds for this project.”

Important Dates

October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024

Grant funds are to be expended for activities occurring between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.

August 1, 2024

Grant Application Deadline

August 31, 2024

Notification of grant application status (approved or declined)

TBD

A final project or organizational report must be submitted to the Community Arts Grant Committee within ninety (90) days of the project completion date.

ELIGIBILITY

The number of public art projects awarded funding is dependent on the funds available and the number of applicants submitting each year. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted or no later than August 1, 2024. Applicants/artists may be funded one time only between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024. (note: to achieve diversity in artists and styles, artists may only receive approval and/or funding once every two years.) 

Helotes Arts welcomes proposals addressing a broad range of initiatives and opportunities to serve the Helotes community:

Mini-Mural Arts Grant

– Up to $1,000

The HEDC invites artist to apply for a public art project to create mini-murals on traffic control boxes along Bandera Road. Selected artists’ designs will be digitized and printed on a vinyl wrap. 

Murals Arts Grant

– Up to $5,000

The HEDC invites artist to apply for a public art project to enhance the city by adding works of art to the streetscape. Murals should be original hand-painted artwork visible from the public right-of-way.

Major Art Sculpture

– Not to exceed $35,000

The HEDC invites artist to apply for a public art project to create a permanent outdoor installation for the traffic circle in Old Town Helotes. The installation will occupy no more than a 15-foot radius. This is a high traffic area and visibility must be maintained for vehicular traffic. Furthermore, it must be made of materials that can withstand Texas weather. 

Eligible Projects

Non-profit 501(c)3 Projects

Individual Artist Projects

Businesses with 50% Match

Projects must be clearly visibly/ accessible to the public

Non-Eligible Projects

Projects outside of the City of Helotes

Projects on private single-family residences/property

Funding Criteria

The number of public art projects awarded funding is dependent on the funds available and the number of applicants submitting each year. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted or no later than August 31, 2024. Applicants/artists may be funded one time only between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024. (note: to achieve diversity in artists and styles, artists may only receive approval and/or funding once every two years.)

Projects on Publicly Owned Property

Artists submitting a project to be located on publicly owned property may receive up to 75% funding with additional funding coming from other sources. Projects able to provide additional matching funds are prioritized.

Projects on Private Property

Applicants submitting projects for display on private property must provide a 1:1 match with the amount of requested funding. Project must be visible from the public right-of-way.

Funds will be awarded based on the Community Arts Grant Committee’s evaluation of the eligible proposal using review criteria described below.

Eligible expenses may include artist fees, assistant fees, supplies and materials, rental equipment, liability insurance, transportation, installation costs and promotional materials related to a dedication event.

Review Criteria

Apply Now

Concept, Scale and Execution

original concept and excellence in execution; scale is appropriate to the building and wall on which it will be painted/attached (* we highly encourage applicants to use images and compositions that will bring innovation to our Community Arts Program collection.)

Context, Design

Creatively responds to site and neighborhood; demonstrates ethical use of references to specific cultural origins; design clearly depicts ideas expressed in project description.

Support

Written evidence of support from property owner, building and business owner(s), or adjacent property owners.

Feasibility

Ability to complete the proposed project, a realistic budget, agreement between property owner and artist regarding responsibility for wall preparation for painting, and use of acceptable graffiti/UV coating, as needed.

For community partner projects

Images associated with concepts mean the same for artist and community (i.e., shared meaning beyond individual perspective and experience).

How to Pay an Artist

As part of the application you must submit a budget and indicate donated time and materials and cash expenditures. Adding those two items together will equal your total project expenses.

Artists may either ask for a flat fee or charge by the square foot (sf) which typically includes labor, supplies and materials. This artist fee is dependent on several factors:

Experience

An emerging artist and an established artist demand different fee structures.

Scope of Work

Consider the physical size of the project and/or special skills artist is employing (e.g., mosaic work).

Other Demands

Activities like leading workshops or participating in community engagement events associated with project require additional time from the artist.

Application Materials

Letter of Intention

One color image of proposed concept.

One color image of the overall area the project will be located.

Up to 6 images of past work from each artist OR a link to websites/social media accounts that feature artworks

Résumé or bio for each artist involved in the design of the project.

If attaching panels to a wall, a materials list, drawing and attachment plan must be submitted.

Letter from property owner that states commitment to sign the Art Easement Form.

Letter(s) of support from community partners.

The following requirements apply to all applicants whose project is approved through this program:

  1. The applicant must have liability insurance for the duration of the project and provide a Certificate of Insurance at the time a contract is issued that lists the City of Helotes, the Helotes Economic Development Corporation and CAGC and their officers, agents and employees as additional insureds. 
  2. CAGC issues a Personal Services Contract outlining the terms of the project and the payment schedule. Once CAGC receives the signed agreement, processing of payments begins. The awarded amount of funding is typically divided into two or three payments. The final payment is made following receipt of the final report and documentation. 
  3. The project must begin within six months of being awarded funding. If the project is unable to meet that deadline, approval may be rescinded and another application must be submitted for approval. 
  4. As part of the contract, the artist agrees to waiver of any rights covered in the federal Visual Artist Rights Act that would interfere with the performance of all rights under the Art Easement agreement. For more information on VARA, go to HelotesEDC.com/public-arts-program 
  5. If the project is located on private property an Art Easement must be signed by the property owner before the project commences. 
  6. Applicant must notify the CAGC staff of completion of the project. 
  7. Applicant must acknowledge Community Arts Grant Program support on the project and in all printed materials related to the project with the following language: “The Helotes Economic Development Corporation provided grants funds for this project.”. 
  8. Applicant submits a final report within 45 days of completion of the project summarizing the completed project and detailing the use of Community Arts Grant funds. 

Questions

If you have further questions regarding the Program, contact Glenn Goolsby, Economic Development Specialist at:

Glenn Goolsby
City of Helotes
Economic Development Corporation
12682 FM 1560 W, Suite 105(Physical)
P.O. Box 507 (Mailing)
Helotes, TX 78023
Phone: (210) 695-5910
E-mail: ggoolsby@helotes-tx.gov