Welcome to the application portal for Public Art in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.
Public art opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis, so check back regularly to find the right call for you. To sign up for WS|FC Public Art email updates, subscribe to our mailing list.
Before applying, please:
- Read the call to artists and make sure you are eligible to apply.
- Create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit an application.
- Fill out and submit an application before the project deadline. If you want to add more information to a submitted application, you can request to edit your application. Application edits are not allowed after the project deadline.
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or reach out to Submittable's Customer Support team with any technical questions here.
UPDATED Priority Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Total Projected Budget: Projects up to $45,000 will be considered.
Program Description
The WS|FC Public Art Commission has created a program that facilitates the creation and installation of public art projects on private property in the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) target area. For this call, Public Art projects can include murals, artistic fences, artistic window grates, mosaics, bike racks, sculptures, and/or benches – as long as the product increases the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood. Funds cannot be used on artwork that advertises a business via the use of its logo or business/organization name.
Businesses or non-profit organizations that own or lease their property may apply to host an artwork on their site. Applicants must identify the type of artwork they would want on their property and a location on their property that can host the artwork.
If selected, the business or organization will then work with the WS|FC Public Art Commission to find an artist that is appropriate for the project. Once the applicant and the Commission have approved the artist’s design concept, the WS|FC Public Art Commission will contract and fund the artist to install the approved artwork on site.
Program Constraints
- Projects cannot display the business/non-profit organization’s name, logo, or motto.
- Projects must be viewable from the public right-of-way. The committee will not consider proposals for artwork in spaces that have restricted access.
- Artwork can only be installed within the CNI target area (map linked here).
- Funds will be determined by the WS|FC Public Art Commission, based on location and project type. Projects up to $45,000 will be funded by the Commission. All funds will be managed by the Commission and will be paid directly to the commissioned artist/fabricator.
- Funding can NOT be used to improve structural, water, and/or facade damage to a property. All surfaces or spaces must be made ready for installation by the property owner.
- Funding shall NOT be used on residences or residential property.
Program Eligibility
- The grant is available to brick-and-mortar businesses/non-profit organizations, both owned and leased, including healthcare facilities, educational centers, community services, thrift stores, retail stores, restaurants, auto body and repair shops and service providers, operating within the CNI target area.
- The business must be in an area eligible for the grant, as defined by CNI target area.
- Businesses and/or non-profit organizations must be operating as a registered business entity or non-profit organization. Applicant’s property must be in good standing with City of Winston-Salem ordinances and all other relevant ordinances.
- The business/non-profit must comply with local zoning laws, building codes and other relevant regulations, and be current on all property taxes. They must also agree to retain the artwork, barring significant vandalism or building damage, for at least 10 years.
- If the applicant is a tenant, they must have a fully signed lease and written approval from the property owner supporting the improvements to be made and agree to the terms and conditions of the grant award, including a deed of trust and promissory note. A lease term of a minimum of one (1) year is required.
Application Timeline This is a rolling call. To be considered a priority applicant, please submit materials by June 30, 2026. This application will close January 31, 2027, or earlier, if funds are fully allocated prior to the closing date. Businesses/non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply early in the application cycle.
Important Dates
- Application Posted: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Priority Applications Due: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET