Springfield Arts Commission

About the Springfield Arts Commission

The Springfield Arts Commission was established by the City Council in 1986 at the end of the Centennial Celebration. The Council charged the Commission to encourage the community’s emerging arts groups, and with the creation of the Art Alley, a series of outdoor murals in the downtown neighborhood.

The first Art Alley mural was a small one at 122 Fifth Street, titled It Ain’t Why, it Just Is, painted by artist Alan Cox in 1988. The second mural, at 130 5th Street, titled Bob the Dog Visits the Old Growth, was painted by John R. Swenson in 1989. Each artist was paid $50 and used materials provided by the Commission.

The Commission accomplishes their work through an active, nine-member volunteer citizen board, a modest annual budget, and part-time staff support.

2022 Regular Meetings

Springfield Arts Commission Bylaws

2022 Subcommittee Meetings

1/29/2022: Agenda
3/5/2022, 3:30-4:30pm: Heritage Arts Grant Subcommittee – Application Q&A: Agenda
4/6/2022, 5:00-6:30pm: Heritage Arts Grant Subcommittee – Application Eligibility Review: Agenda
5/3/2022, 5:00-6:30pm: Heritage Arts Grant Subcommittee: Agenda | Minutes

View Archived Meetings

Heritage Arts Grant

The Springfield Arts Commission’s annual Heritage Arts Grant Program makes funds available to groups involved in the cultural life of the city. The goal of these grants is to encourage community-based public programs, such as, but not limited to concerts, theater, visual art, dance, or literature. The grant program is funded by City of Springfield room taxes and is administered by the Springfield Arts Commission (SAC). Applications open in early Spring 2022.

Heritage Arts Grant is now open for applications. Apply by April 1, 2022.

Heritage Arts Grant 2022 Application and Guidelines

For more information, watch this pre-recorded Q&A Heritage Arts Grant session (March 5, 2022)

Springfield Public Art Self-Guided Tour