Applications open for downtown outdoor art grants
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Brandon’s downtown will feature a second surge of creative art installations as council and the city’s Downtown Biz encourage artists to apply for this year’s grant.
Community members can apply for the 2026 Downtown Outdoor Art Grant until the intake period closes on May 31.
Building on the strong momentum of last year’s program, the grant continues to support creative projects that enhance public spaces and contribute to a vibrant and engaging environment, Brandon Downtown Biz executive director Emmy Sanderson said.
A mural on Rosser Avenue depicts the area’s hilly landscape and the geese that return every year. Downtown Biz encouragess artists to sign up for a second surge of grants under the program.(Alex Lambert/The Brandon Sun files)
“It was so successful that it was, you know, a no-brainer, that we were really hopeful to be able to do it again this year,” she said.
“There’s no limit to the creativity, right? And the more art and interaction and community building we do downtown, the better it is for everybody.”
Public art serves many purposes, including city beautification, tourism and photo opportunities, and as a deterrent to vandalism, she said.
The program was created last year and receives $30,000 in funding from the city, with an additional $20,000 from the Brandon Area Community Foundation.
Sanderson said she would like applicants to bring forward a wide range of ideas for murals, sculptures, light installations or interactive displays.
She’s also interested in seeing community-driven concepts.
“If a school wanted to come down and create a piece of art downtown or create a piece of art and then install it downtown, you know, there’s opportunity there as well,” Sanderson said.
“We’re trying to keep it very broad, so that there’s lots of opportunity for people to put their ideas forward.”
The artwork can be temporary or permanent, she said.
The Brandon Downtown Biz welcomes conversations with anyone interested in exploring a potential project idea and can provide assistance throughout the application process.
Last year’s program saw 15 applications with six approved projects, Sanderson said. Two projects have been completed — a mural on the Compass Credit Union building by Manitoba artist Nereo Zorro and a community art project led by local artist Chris Reid at Samaritan House Ministries.
“That was a community project that, you know, was mentoring new artists and bringing a group of people together to create something. And even people that utilize Samaritan House had the opportunity to participate,” Sanderson said.
The remaining four projects are scheduled for completion later this year.
Another four to six applicants will be selected for this year’s grant, depending on the costs of each project, she said.
The successful candidates will begin meeting with the Brandon Downtown Biz in early June.
» tadamski@brandonsun.com