Seguin Commission on the Arts opens new grant opportunity

Special by Blaire Friar, assistant director, Seguin Main Street & CVB
(Seguin) — This year, the Seguin Commission on the Arts is launching its very own grant program to support arts and cultural activities that promote or enhance the arts in Seguin.

Applicants can apply for funding to cover up to 50 percent of their total project cost and the applicant’s match may include cash and in-kind donations of goods and services.

“The Commission’s purpose is to support and promote art in our community,” said Kelly Follis, Chair of the Seguin Commission on the Arts. “We believe that a grant program is the most effective way to gain a clear understanding of projects in need of support and to most equitably allocate our funds. We look forward to hearing from local artists about how we can assist them in making their dreams a reality for the benefit of our community.”

Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:

Promote the Arts
Be within the Seguin City limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Seguin
Be publicly viewable
Be completed by September 15, 2023
A few examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, murals and other public art pieces, arts festivals and events, film projects, theatrical productions, and more.

Local businesses, individuals, and non-profits alike are eligible to apply for grant funding so long as their project meets the criteria.

Applicants may not receive funding from any other city board or commission who distributes Hotel Occupancy Tax funds for the project in their application.

Awardees will receive 80 percent of their grant after the official notification and execution of a grant contract; the final 20 percent will be released after the funded event upon completion of a final report.

Applications for the Seguin Arts and Cultural Grant Program are now open and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2023. The complete guidelines and application can be found online at www.seguintexas.gov/art.