Animating Infrastructure

Animating Infrastructure Grants support community projects that integrate art with infrastructure improvements. Through this program, the Council strives to demonstrate the positive impact of art in helping communities to meet goals of livability, walkability, safety, economic vitality, and community vibrancy, and to support the creation of unique infrastructure projects where function and art are one and the same.

The Council’s definition of infrastructure is broad. It includes community facilities and services such as buildings, trails, water or sewer systems, roads, power systems, parks, and more.

Functional components of infrastructure—such as sidewalks, railings, benches, walls, signs, stairs, and tree grates in the built and/or natural environment—have the potential for artistic enhancement that creates unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play.

To learn more watch this short video about the power of public art in Vermont communities.

Recent years’ funded projects

Albany Community Trust
$15,000 to fabricate and install a river-shaped table, barn quilts, Little Free Cantastoria at Albany Country Store

Revitalizing Waterbury
$15,000 to commission and install a welcoming gateway entrance to enhance the Stowe Street Alley

Town of Worcester
$15,000 to support the addition of art to a resurfaced community basketball court

Vergennes Partnership
$15,000 to integrate public art into the existing Tri-Town Shuttle bus stop on Green Street

Vermont River Conservancy, Montpelier
$15,000 to build and install benches crafted by local artisans at Confluence River Park in downtown Montpelier

Lamoille North Supervisory Union, Johnson
$10,000 to hire Juniper Creative Arts to do an art residency at Johnson Elementary School and create a large public mural on the exterior of the school

Click here to view past years’ grantees.