Community Murals

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Murals are an effective way to deter graffiti vandalism alongside creating a sense of belonging, animation and character in neighbourhoods. Artist murals contrast the concrete and asphalt while eliminating blank walls that often encourage unwanted behaviours.

Capital City Cleanup has partnered with nonprofits and community leagues providing grant funding for over 50 murals to be installed throughout our City. This year, we continue these efforts by offering a Community Mural Grant for up to a maximum of $8,000. This funding can be used for consultations, artist services, paint supplies, anti-graffiti coating or other needs associated with the creation and installation of a mural(s). Hosting costs such as providing food and drinks or renting spaces will not be covered this year as in previous years.

Please be aware that our Community Mural Grant has undergone some changes. Please read all related documents so you are most successful in your application.

Changes to the Community Mural Grant 2023

Increased funding to $8,000 per mural project ( the same organization can apply multiple times for different projects however the same organization is unlikely to get more than one project approved); to help cover anti-graffiti coatings or a preventative method for maintenance of the mural(s) which are mandatory this year
Mural projects within the Business Improvement Area of Downtown will be eligible for up to $10,000 each in funding based on the same matching funds basis
Funding will not cover hosting fees such as food, drinks and rental space costs this year
No longer a first come, first serve application process; the process is now based off eligibility criteria and scored off of the application form
Licensed businesses now have the opportunity to apply alongside non-profit organizations and community leagues
Mandatory final feedback survey
Mandatory community engagement component

Community Mural Grant Qualifications

The grant application must be submitted between March 15 and May 15 by 11:59pm. All applicants will be notified by email with the decision on their application by May 31, 2023.
Grant applicants must be non-profit organizations, licensed businesses or community leagues.
Location of the mural must be an external wall or asset, with high visibility.
The location of the mural must be on private property and not City of Edmonton property (Community League buildings are permitted).
25% of the requested funding must be matched through finances, donations, or in-kind contributions towards the mural project’s total cost. This contribution may include staff labour, mural supplies or cash towards the mural project. For example, if the mural organizers request $8,000 from the City, they would be expected to contribute at least an additional $2,000 toward the mural total cost.
City sponsored Community Murals are meant to beautify and deter graffiti vandalism in neighbourhoods and not for advertising, political or offensive/hateful purposes. A development permit is required if you intend to incorporate text within your mural. Development permits can be obtained by visiting Permits, Development and Construction.
Community Leagues and those leasing on City of Edmonton Parkland are required to have project approval by the Park and Facility Development Team.
Submit receipts, photos and any required documentation by November 30

Guidelines and Application Link

Thank you for your interest.

The intake period for the Community Mural Grant has ended.

Grant Overview

Who can apply?

Applicants must be an organization, association, society or non-profit agency; a licensed business or a community league.

Where can murals be done?

Applicants must operate within Edmonton and must be putting the mural on an exterior building, structure or property asset within Edmonton city limits. This asset must be on a privately owned property or asset not city of Edmonton owned property/asset ( Community League buildings/assets are permitted). Must be in a highly visible area to the public.

Permissions/Waivers

Applicants are responsible to ensure that any necessary permits and approvals (private and/or public) are in place.

The application will only be considered if it has been signed by the legal property owner giving their permission for the mural and all supporting permits and approvals have been provided.

Funding/Matching/Timelines

Funds, to a maximum of $8000, are available on a matching basis. The Business Improvement Area of Downtown has been allocated extra funding allowing mural projects in this area to be up to a maximum of $10,000 per mural project on the same matching fund basis.

Applicants must match 25% of the total project cost with a combination of donations, volunteer equity, direct dollars, or grants.

Matching funding cannot be provided by other City of Edmonton program sources.

Projects must be completed, including submission of all final project reporting requirements including a final feedback survey, by November 30 to receive full grant funds.

Fundable Expenses

Honorarium and fees for artists for creative design/input, production,consultations or teachings.

Wall preparation and painting supplies, including but not limited to paint, brushes, rollers, sandpaper, plaster and protective coatings. Lift rental costs if required.

Costs associated with community/public engagement for the development and creation of the mural (may not exceed 25% of the complete project budget).

Non-Fundable Expenses

On-going operating expenses of an organization, facility maintenance or repair and ongoing salaries.

Hosting costs such as food, drinks and rental spaces for production or project celebrations will not be covered this year.

Expenses incurred prior to application approval.

Artists

It is up to the community group to select local (Edmonton and surrounding area) artists or groups to design the mural. You may wish to work with a new up-and-coming artist, a member of your community with art experience or the local school art department.

You may also choose to hire a professional artist. We recommend that you ensure the artist(s) your organization hires is qualified and capable of the artwork your organization intends to create.

Insurance

The applicant must have Liability Insurance of $2,000,000.

A copy of the insurance certificate will be requested from the project coordinator once application has been moved to the approval stage as a conditional acceptance.

Final Report

The Final Report is due by November 30 and is required before the funding will be released.

You must include in your Final Report:

Detailed description of the mural project
Community Engagement components and measurable outcomes
Photos of the final artwork(s) completed
All receipts that the grant was approved for
The completed budget sheet
Please refer to the Community Mural Grant Guidelines for more details
Completion of the Participant Feedback Survey

For More Information

Capital City Clean Up

If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Telephone	311
Fax	780-498-7098
Email	capitalcitycleanup@edmonton.ca