“Visual arts” refers to creative works that are primarily experienced visually, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, digital art, and mixed media.  “Performing arts” refers to artistic expression presented through live performances, including music, theatre, dance, spoken word, and multidisciplinary performance.  Please see the Arts Commission Program on Art Spotlight CDA for Performing Arts if seeking grants for the Performing Arts.

Project Overview

Visual arts are a defining part of our public history and cultural identity, enriching the character and vibrancy of our community.  Through exhibitions, public programming, and meaningful engagement, visual arts organizations contribute to a dynamic cultural landscape that reflects the spirit of Coeur d'Alene.  Equally important is the role these organizations play in student education--providing young people with opportunities to develop creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through the visual arts.  Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts seeks proposals from visual arts organizations whose work not only enhances community identity but also fosters the next generation of artists and engages citizens through educational programming and outreach.

Located on the shore of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Coeur d’Alene is one of the West’s premier four-season destinations for business meetings, leisure travel, and special events.  Coeur d'Alene is proud of its rich history of visual arts organizations and seeks to aid in sustaining and broadening these programs for the enrichment of the community and support of programming that draws attention both locally and nationwide.  Throughout the year, Coeur d’Alene attracts thousands of visitors; a rich offering of visual arts increases what the city has to offer.

Visual arts companies may submit applications for funds that will contribute to the creation of innovative works of art, exhibitions, installations, and related programming.  Applications must include a letter that clearly describes in detail the proposed project, program, or initiative to be funded, including its purpose and intended impact.  From the submissions, a committee will select the projects, programs, and/or initiatives to receive the funding.  The first year period will run from the beginning of August 2026, through the end of July 2027 with a second-year option running from August 2027 through the end of July 2028.

The Application Process

The Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is encouraging visual arts organizations to submit a one (1) to three (3) page letter describing in detail the project, program, or initiative to be funded and how it will enhance both the company/organization and the community.  The letter should include how the funding will be utilized and how the Arts Commission and City will be recognized as sponsors.

Eligibility

·       Applicants must be based in Kootenai County Idaho

·       Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

·       Applicants must be in good standing with the city and the community

·       Applicant companies must have completed at least five (5) years of visual arts programming prior to the application deadline date

·       Applicants may submit one (1) application per grant cycle year

·       Applicants must be affiliated with an organization that consistently engages visual artists that teach, exhibit and promote their work within the community, and that manages the associated logistics as an ongoing and integral component of its core activities.

Budget and Payment Schedule

Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts will offer a total funding of $15,000 annually.  The selected companies will be funded in the amount of $5,000 or $7,500 for the first year (three (3) companies at $5,000 each or two (2) companies at $7,500 each) at the discretion of the Selection Committee, Arts Commission, and City Council.  A second fund of the same amount may be paid to the companies at the start of the second year for the same project, program, initiative, or one that contains the same criteria as the work funded in the first year, should the companies be chosen to repeat the program funding.

Selection Process

Responses to this call for applications from visual arts organizations will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of local arts professionals, local citizens, a council member, and other members as determined by the Arts Commission.  Selection criteria to be used for consideration shall include but not be limited to the following: community impact, artistic quality and vision, student education & outreach, organizational capacity, alignment with Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts goals, feasibility & budget, and sustainability & lasting impact.

Timeline

These dates may be subject to change.

• April 28, 2026 - Approval of Art Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts - CDA Arts Commission
• June 2, 2026 - City Council approval of Art Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts
• June 3 & 8, 2026 - Press Releases to announce Art Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts
• June 9, 2026 - Opening date for collection of applications
• July 10, 2026 - Application submission deadline
• July 13-17, 2026 - Selection Committee will meet to choose grantees.
• July 28, 2026 - Arts Commission approval of selected projects/programs/initiatives
• August 4, 2026 - City Council approval of projects/programs/initiatives
• August 5, 2026 - Recipients announced

Submission Requirements

Applications must be received by email to Melissa Brandt, Administrative Assistant, at [email protected] no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on Monday, July 10, 2026, with the subject line: “Art Spotlight CDA: Visual Arts 2026 Application Submission.”

The City of Coeur d’Alene reserves the right to change the dates of the project timeline, to modify this solicitation, to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating organizations, to re-open the submission process and/or to accept or reject submissions, at any time prior to the announcement of recipients.