Downtown Arts & Culture Impact Grants
What Is the Arts & Culture Impact Grant Program?
The Arts & Culture Impact Grant is a program hosted by the Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF), utilizing private resources to support local projects that enhance the beautification, historical preservation, and general livability of Downtown Missoula.
Projects funded by this grant program can include the creation of a mural on a local building, activating an underutilized space like an alley or street corner, or the installation of a provocative sculpture or fixture. The overall goal of these projects is to promote placemaking efforts that reimagine public spaces and contribute to an inviting, healthy, and vibrant community through arts and culture.
What Is the Overall Model of this Program?
The MDF Board of Directors accepts project proposals from artists on an annual basis and allocates funds for two to four projects.
When artists apply, they propose an art or cultural project they would like to execute—one that contributes to the enhancement and placemaking of an area in Downtown Missoula. The proposal should include:
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Past examples of the artist’s work
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A proposed vision for the project, including design mockups, concepts, etc.
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A proposed budget, which may include materials, labor, and other project needs
Artists are encouraged to submit proposals with accurate projected costs, even if those costs exceed the $7,500 maximum in MDF funding.
If selected, the artist will receive funding and collaborate with the Missoula Downtown Foundation and other partners to execute the project.
In most cases, the Foundation will identify specific space(s) they wish to activate, such as a business wall for a mural or an alleyway. Artists can center their application around this site or they may propose other ideas for murals, area activations, or even sculptures and fixtures. MDF will consider both.
What Is the application process for this program?
Applications open on January 1st of each year, and artists have until the end of February to submit proposals.
After applications close, the MDF Board of Directors will review submissions and decide within 90 days. Selected applicants will then work with the Board, the DMP team, and all relevant parties to execute the project.
Once the project is complete, the Downtown Missoula Partnership typically hosts a ceremony to celebrate the finished work and lead corresponding public relations and social media promotion. Executing a project through this program is a BIG deal—and the DMP team will ensure the artist is properly celebrated.
Past Projects
2024
The Dorothy Dragon
Artist: Lillian Nelson
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Description: Spanning over 115 feet in length, 28 feet in height, and three walls, the Dorothy Dragon came to life in the summer of 2024. The dragon meanders through 19 windows on the West face and breathes fire up a chimney that has historically kept residents warm inside the Dorothy apartment building for the past century.
Free Flow
Artist: Kelsey Dzintars
Hometown: Bozeman, MT
Description: The Downtown Headquarters building, shared with Trail West Bank at 218 E Main Street, received a facelift in July of 2024. Completed in one scaldingly hot week, artist Kelsey Dzintars brought Free Flow to life, exemplifying the natural beauty of Missoula and its surrounding rivers/valleys.
2023
Greetings from Missoula
Artist: Tanya Lee Yarrow
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Description: Completed in 10 weeks during the summer of 2023, this mural depicts many of the activities Missoulians know and love. It captures the essence and representation of the city and has become a focal point for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.
Filling the Void
Artist: Missoula Art Museum’s Teen Art Project with artist leads April Werle, Krissy Ramirez, and Janaína Vieira-Marques
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Description: Two murals on adjacent alley walls along the 100 block of West Broadway were created in the summer of 2023 through the Missoula Art Museum’s Teen Art Project. The murals are a juxtaposition of indoor and outdoor scenes and include ceramic elements throughout the piece.
Available Funding
The MDF Board of Directors is dedicated to ensuring the Foundation’s resources will have a significant impact on projects for Downtown Missoula. MDF allocates $15,000 annually to fund up to two projects. This amount may be evenly split or distributed based on the proposed budgets.
Although not guaranteed, building or business owners may contribute additional funding to help activate their spaces. Artists are encouraged to submit realistic, itemized budgets—even if they exceed the $7,500 MDF allocation.
Donate to the MDF’s Arts & Culture Impact Grant funding.
Interested in supporting more art in our community? Donations to the Missoula Downtown Foundation can be directed specifically to the Arts & Culture Impact Grant.
Donate Here
Available Space
Each year, MDF identifies public and private Downtown locations ready for activation. Applicants can build their proposals around these spaces or propose projects for other sites. MDF can help secure locations for visionary proposals.
For 2025, MDF is working to activate the South Face Wall of Worden’s Market (451 N. Higgins):
Site Details:
1.) Full wall; project can be done in three phases or done all together
2.) 1,250 sq.ft painted cinder block surface
3.) The owner is open to any ideas! Art types that interest the owner are multi-dimensional abstract pieces or something interactive to the viewer.
Have another building or space you would be interested in putting your art on?
Don’t feel limited by the available spaces- we would love to see where your vision takes you and where you would like to see your art Downtown.
Connect with the DMP office at [email protected] or call us at (406) 543-4238 to share your ideas or discover more about potential locations for your artwork!
What Is the Focus of Placemaking Initiatives?
Placemaking projects reimagine public spaces and contribute to an inviting, healthy, and vibrant community. The Foundation’s Arts & Culture Impact Grants aim to create connectivity to Downtown, capitalize on community assets, and create bonds among residents, visitors, and Downtown Missoula. Placemaking projects can transform identified spaces in Downtown Missoula and strengthen the connection people have with the Missoula community. The Foundation supports public and private entities, organizations, groups, and or individuals that:
- Make Downtown Missoula better for future generations
- Support the cultural, social, and economic uniqueness that is Downtown Missoula
- Create long-lasting positive change in Downtown Missoula
- Complete projects within six months
- Complete projects that are inclusive of all individuals
The Foundation will consider impactful and sustainable projects that focus on:
- Heritage and historic preservation
- Arts & culture
- Safety, livability, walkability
- Alley activation
- Compliance with the goals of the Downtown Master Plan, the North Riverside Parks & Trails Plan, or the Heritage Interpretive Plan
What Is the Evaluation Criteria for Arts & Culture Impact Grant Proposals?
Once the application period concludes, the MDF Board of Directors will review submitted grant proposals, assessing them based on the following criteria:
- Artistic quality and merit of the project
- The extent to which the project leverages investment in the MDF mission and Downtown priority projects
- Alignment with current Downtown Master Plans, priorities, and focus areas
- Sustainability of the completed project
- Applicant qualifications
- Located within the Downtown Master Plan Boundary (found below)
Application
Grant applications are open from January 1st to the end of February each year.
Applications for 2025 are now closed and currently under review or in progress.
Visit this page in early 2026 to submit your proposal, or email [email protected] or call (406) 543-4238 to be added to our notification list for the 2026 application cycle.
