.Kenneth Rainin Foundation to Give Grants of Up to $200,000 to Local Artists

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation announced earlier this week that it will be funding up to four temporary public art projects in Oakland or San Francisco with grants between $50,000 and $200,000 per project. A recent press release said that the foundation is specifically looking for place-based projects that “engage communities, showcase artistic experimentation, and energize public spaces.”  

The new public art program is called Open Spaces, and aims to showcase the work of both emerging and established artists in a range of disciplines. That makes this a rare opportunity for artists to think on a massive scale — and budget — even if they don’t specialize in public art.

The foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry with brief project proposals between May 16 and June 30. Then, a small group of finalists from that pool will be given $5,000 to further develop their projects and submit a detailed proposal in mid-September. Up to four of those full proposals will receive funding.

To apply, artists must have a nonprofit partner (or vice versa) to help spearhead the project. The nonprofits (or organization with a 501c3 fiscal sponsor) must be based in the Bay Area, but the artist doesn’t necessarily have to be local as long as the organization is playing a strong role. Proposed sites must be located in either Oakland or San Francisco, and high-density urban areas that are easily accessible via public transportation will be prioritized.

Medium-wise, the foundation says its open to technology-based works, light-based artworks, video and film projections, sound sculpture, socially engaged art practice, conceptual works, performance-based visual arts projects, as well as more traditional visual arts work. See more details about the application process here. 

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