Middletown arts panel outlines $74,000 semiquincentennial grant program with three tiers

Keisha, the commission’s arts staffer, told the Middletown Arts Commission the FY26 grant season will award an appropriated $74,000 to creative programs that support the city’s participation in the national Semiquincentennial commemoration.

The proposal would pause the commission’s usual general project support grants and replace them with a Semiquincentennial Arts Engagement Grant Program organized into three tiers: eight $1,500 awards for individual artists or small projects with no required match; four $5,500 awards for 501(c)(3) organizations or arts-related businesses intended to open programming to the public; and two $20,000 “go big” awards that would require a 1:1 cash match, creating projects with combined budgets the staff estimates could reach about $80,000.

"The FY26 grant season will award the appropriated funding of $74,000 to creative programs that support the nation’s celebration of the Semiquincentennial in the city of Middletown," Keisha said. She added staff will post application details on the city website and hold outreach sessions for prospective applicants.

Members asked how the program will ensure Middletown organizations benefit and whether collaborating with neighboring Portland would make an applicant ineligible. Keisha said the initial focus is on Middletown organizations and constituents, and that any Portland participation would be addressed in next-day committee discussions and in the application rules.

The commission discussed timing and capacity: staff set an application deadline in the fall (referred to in the meeting as "next on Halloween") and said staff will hold regular office hours for questions. Keisha said two grant applications were already in and that staff is prepared to revert funds to general grants if the Semiquincentennial effort proves infeasible before the fiscal year ends.

Commissioners urged robust outreach and warned larger awards will require applicants to build matches and collaborations. Keisha said staff will continue outreach and help prospective applicants find partners and matching support.

The discussion did not record a final, formal vote adopting the resolution in the meeting transcript; staff indicated the full resolution text and application materials are posted in the meeting agenda and that a public presentation will be held at the committee meeting the following day.

What’s next: the commission will advertise the three-tier grant program, continue outreach and post application materials; staff will report back on application volume and any recommended adjustments before funds are finalized.