Posted on December 22, 2011
Deadline: March 1, 2012

National Endowment for the Arts Invites Applications for Our Town Creative Placemaking Projects

Through the Our Town program, the National Endowment for the Arts will provide a limited number of grants for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their core.

Our Town will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to improve their quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place, and revitalize local economies. The endowment plans to support a variety of diverse projects across the United States and in urban and rural communities of all sizes.

All Our Town applications must reflect a partnership that will provide leadership for the project. These partnerships must involve two primary partners: a nonprofit organization and a local government entity. One of the two primary partners must be a cultural (arts or design) organization. Additional partners are encouraged and may include an appropriate variety of entities such as state-level government agencies, foundations, arts organizations and artists, nonprofit organizations, design professionals and design centers, educational institutions, real estate developers, business leaders, and community organizations, as well as public and governmental entities.

Our Town projects should represent the distinct character and quality of their communities and must reflect a systemic approach to civic development and a persuasive vision for enhanced community vibrancy; clearly defined civic development goals and objectives that recognize and enhance the role that the arts and design play at the center of community life; an action plan aligned with the project vision and civic development goals; and a funding plan that is appropriate, feasible, indicates strong community support, and includes a well-conceived sustainability strategy. Projects may include planning, design, and arts engagement activities.

Grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000 each.

Visit the NEA Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, examples of funded projects, and details on upcoming Our Town webinars.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Arts and Culture
Geographic Funding Area: National

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