The Vermont Arts Council's mission is to support artists and communities in Vermont through the integration of art into public spaces. They aim to enhance community pride and identity, foster social connections, and improve the livability and vibrancy of Vermont communities, downtowns, villages, and neighborhoods by promoting the development and installation of site-specific works of public art that reflect the community's vision, values, and creative spirit.
The Animating Infrastructure program by the Vermont Arts Council is designed to support communities in integrating works of public art within infrastructure projects. This program emphasizes fostering partnerships between communities and artists, aiming to incorporate art that enhances community identity, livability, and social connections. The scope of considered infrastructure is broad and includes both built and natural environments, encouraging artistic enhancements to functional components like sidewalks, benches, or fences. The grant encourages community engagement in the art design and fabrication process, with up to $5,000 available for public art design and up to $15,000 for the implementation of public art projects. Selected projects will demonstrate collaborative and innovative approaches to integrating public art into community infrastructure, thereby creating vibrant, appealing places to live, work, and play.