Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary Education and Public Art Trust Grants

The Portsmouth Public Art Review Committee (PARC) is seeking proposals to fund a limited number of Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary Education and Public Art Trust Grants through a trust created as part of the city’s 400th anniversary celebration in 2023. 

Questions and answers regarding the application process are being posted on this page.

Q. How do I apply for a grant?

Please complete this online application form.

Q. What sort of projects might qualify?

Projects could support the creation and installation of new public art, as long as there is a learning component for Portsmouth K-12 students, or short term or long- term programs in any art form that help interpret existing public art, creating a learning experience for Portsmouth K-12 students.

Q. Is PARC looking for a certain type of applicant?

Yes. Applicants can be educational institutions, cultural organizations, nonprofits, or individuals collaborating with such entities. The grants are intended to fund projects that promote the education and cultural enrichment of K-12 students living or attending school in Portsmouth through the support of public art projects and programs that involve, explore, and reflect the history, heritage, and cultural identity of the city. 

Q. Is there a limit on the grant amount being awarded?

Yes. Grant requests should be for $10,000 or less and one or more grants will be awarded each year, while there are funds, beginning in 2026.

Q. What is the deadline for submitting the application for a grant?

The deadline for submitting this application form is 11:59 pm on April 15, 2026.

Q. How does an artist round up kids, what is enough kids to support an initiative?

There is no minimum regarding the number of students, but projects that have a larger impact will be given greater consideration. It might be helpful to partner with an educational institution or another organization that collaborates with Portsmouth K-12 students to encourage student involvement such as an after school program or a nonprofit organization that works with yout

Q. Is the artist supposed to be helping kids do their art as an assignment or holding a class?

This is up to the applicant and the goal of the project. Helping K-12 students create art or holding a class or a combination could be incorporated in your project, but neither are required as long as the educational goals are met.

Q. Will the grantor or public satisfied with a report? Or product?

It depends on the project. If the goal is to create something, completion of the product would be required. Other projects may not require completion of a product and will be more focused on learning outcomes which could be detailed in a written report. In that case, a report might detail how to replicate the learning experience with additional students as a way to demonstrate sustainability of the investment.