For Organizations and Artists

Cultural & Aesthetic Project Grants

In 1975, the Montana Legislature set aside a percentage of the Coal Tax to restore murals in the Capitol and support other cultural and aesthetic projects. This unique funding source is a Cultural Trust, with grant money allocated every two years. Grant funds are derived from the interest earned on the Cultural Trust.

In 1983, the Legislature established a Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Advisory Committee with 16 members, half appointed by the Montana Arts Council and half by the Montana Historical Society. The committee reviews all grant proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Legislature, which determines who will receive grant funds. The Montana Arts Council administers the program for the Legislature.

Applications must be for cultural and aesthetic projects including, but not limited to, the visual, performing, literary and media arts, history, archaeology, folklore, archives, collections, research, historic preservation and the construction or renovation of cultural facilities. Applications are encouraged for applicants serving rural communities, racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, institutionalized populations, youth and the aging.

The deadline for applications to the FY 2014 – 2015 Cultural and Aesthetic Grants Program has passed.

The guidelines for the application are here.

The Cultural Trust Grants are carried in HB9 and contained in Volume 7 of the Governor’s 2014-2015 Budget.

Link to Volume 7 of the Governor’s Budget for 2014-2015, PDF

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Cultural & Aesthetic Project logos

These logos will print much smaller than what you see on your computer screen. If you have trouble saving the logos to your computer try right clicking the link above and for Internet Explorer choose "Save Target As . . ." and for Netscape choose "Save Link As . . .."

FY 2012 - 2013 Semi-Annual Grant Reports:

Please complete the semi-annual report form for each 6-month quarter of the grant period.

  • July 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011
  • January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
  • July 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

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