The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for our Open Spaces Program from May 21 through June 17, 2025. This program funds temporary public art projects led by artists that engage San Francisco and Oakland communities around relevant and timely issues. Projects must be visionary, expanding the boundaries of public art and helping artists to advance their practice. Since 2014 we have awarded more than $3.39 million to 32 organizations.
Pre-Application Webinar
Learn more about this funding opportunity from our Arts Program Staff.
- Monday, May 20, 2025, at 12 PM (PST) | Reserve your spot
We will post a recording of the webinar on our website.
Open Spaces Program Priorities
Leveraging strong, authentic partnerships. We welcome artists and artistic collectives, partnered with a nonprofit or fiscal sponsor, to apply. The most successful project teams include trusted collaborators and well-defined roles. A team’s strength lies in its ability to oversee all aspects of creating public art—managing permitting, paying artists and facilitating community engagement. Strong partnerships also allow artists to focus on their creative work and build relationships.
Engaging communities and addressing timely issues. The Open Spaces Program focuses on using civic and neighborhood resources and cultural assets to address important, timely issues. We will continue prioritizing projects that engage communities in meaningful and thoughtful ways.
Curious About Public Art Projects That Have Received Funding?
- Explore past grant recipients.
- Discover the impact of Open Spaces Program supported projects in our videos and stories.
Support For Projects At Different Stages Of Development
Temporary public art projects require time and resources for both planning and production. Applicants can choose from two tracks depending on their project’s stage of development.
- Development Support Grants will offer up to $20,000 in early-stage funding to support the iterative planning, relationship building and experimentation phases critical to the success of temporary public art projects.
- Production Support Grants of up to $175,000 will support the execution of a thoroughly conceptualized and well-planned large-scale, temporary public art project.
Two-Stage Grant Application Process
The Open Spaces Program application is a two-stage process:
- Stage One: Applications will be reviewed by Arts Program Staff.
- Stage Two: Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, which will be reviewed by a panel of artists, past grant recipients and public art specialists.
Visit the Open Spaces Program page to review eligibility, priorities, requirements and frequently asked questions.
Ask Me Questions
To help you learn more about this grant opportunity, we’re hosting a pre-application webinar May 20, 2025, at 12 PM (PST). As Arts Program Officer, I will also be available to meet one-on-one to help answer your specific questions about the Open Spaces Program. Schedule a time during my office hours.
Key Grant Application Dates
- Stage One Application Period: May 21–June 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST)
- Stage Two Full Proposal Period (by invitation only): August 4–September 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST)
- Award Notification: December 2025
- Grant Period: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027
About The Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a family foundation that collaborates with creative thinkers in the Arts, Education and Health. We believe in taking smart risks to achieve breakthroughs. We support visionary artists in the Bay Area, create opportunities for Oakland’s youngest learners and fund researchers on the forefront of scientific discoveries. Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded over $61 million in funding to support individual artists and small to mid-size Bay Area arts organizations that are pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Explore the Rainin Foundation’s funding opportunities.
