Sitting on the Urbana Public Arts Commission

Tonight’s big agenda items were Sara and my proposal for our grants program, and Katherine and Pat’s “Art in Available Spaces” proposal.

I’m hoping we’ll formally launch the grant program after next month’s meeting, but you can start thinking about putting together your proposals now. Here’s an overview to get you started, I’ll post the draft versions ASAP.

All three grant opportunities must feature a public arts component. The public art must be exhibited/performed within one of the Urbana TIF districts as shown on this map.

Program Goals:

• integrate the arts into the urban environment, creating a sense of place and purpose, and promoting tourism and commerce
• encourage emerging artists and art forms
• preserve and commemorate local multicultural traditions and histories
• enrich the lives of urbana residents and visitors
• increase oportunities for residents to engage in the arts in its many forms
• represent the community in all its diversity

THE GRANTS
1. Here and Now: Urbana Residents 6-Month Grants
Just like the name says, you’ve got to be living in Urbana to apply for this grant and your show must take place within 6 months of award notification. Awards will be between $200-$1,500.

2. Envision 365 Grants
Emerging and professional artists are encouraged to apply for this grant. The show must take place within 12 months of award notification. Awards will be made up to $2,500.

3. Creative Mix Grants
This is our “group grant.” We’re using “group” here to mean everything from ensembles to orchestras to class projects to scouting troops. This grant also has a 12 month deadline and applicants can ask for up to $5,000.

4. Festivals Grant?
This grant will be largely funded through the Urbana Business Association’s “Business Backs the Arts” initiative. I was under the impression that it would focus on downtown Urbana, but other committee members heard a wider message — that the funding could be applied to other business districts in Urbana as well, and could be expanded beyond the festival model. I’ll let you know, as soon as I know, in which direction the UBA wants to move. We’re happy to use their money to support the arts, which in turn will draw residents and visitors into business districts.

Art in Available Spaces
This is really two programs — the first (the Storefront Art Series), is designed to brighten storefront windows with work by local artists. The second (Urbana Space Program), features performances in underutilized spaces. In the first program, artists could receive a stipend of $100 to pay for set-up costs.

But That’s Not All

Geoff Bant shared his ideas for gathering community input on community art as applied to projects like the Philo Road Beautification Project. More on that later as drafts develop.

Studio Space for Rent
Nicole Pion from Urbana’s Independent Media Center talked about their organization and its contributions to the community. I knew they had office space available, but I didn’t realize they had studio space available for rent right now. They charge $250-$400/month.

What Was I Thinking?
Sarah and I volunteered for another subcommittee, one which explores putting together judging committees for the grant programs. Got input? Leave a comment below.