Title
Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program
Body
To: Public Art Commission
From: Lois Butler, Economic Development Manager
Date: September 25, 2019
RE: Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program
BACKGROUND
At a public working session on April 15, 2019, the Public Art Commission (PAC) identified the creation of a Public Art Small Grants pilot program as a top priority for future public art funding. At a subsequent meeting on May 29, 2019, the PAC gave direction to staff regarding the key elements of the program; these points are summarized below:
Overall Guidelines
* The grants can be for cultural art or physical art.
* The applicant does not need non-profit status.
* Organizations outside Alameda may apply and Alameda residents/organizations will receive a preference.
* Events and artwork must be located in Alameda, free to the public and in an accessible location.
* The budget for this grant cycle is $20,000.
* Grant award categories should be:
o $250-500
o $501-$750
o $751-$1,000
o $1,000-$1,500
o $1,500-$2,000
* The application period should be for two months (January 1-February 29, 2020). It should be preceded by an up to two-month advertising period for the Public Art Small Grants Program. Awards will be granted by April 30, 2020, and funds should be eligible for use from May 1, 2020 until April 30, 2021.
* The materials should include text that encourages smaller organizations and individuals to apply for $250 to $500 grants.
* It is important to keep the grant materials and award process clear and simple to coincide with the smaller grant award amount.
* The marketing program for Public Art Small Grant applications would be very important and should include a public mailing list and social media campaign.
* Emphasize this is a pilot program to test various aspects of implementation, and there will be a fair amount of leeway in the implementation during this pilot year.
* Guidelines, criteria and application should include best practice...
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