Mayor's Community Arts Grants Support Arts and Cultural Programs in New Haven Neighborhoods

(5/3/2012) Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism are pleased to announce that applications are available for the 2012-2013 Mayor’s Community Arts Grants Program. The Mayor’s Community Arts Grants Program provides financial, marketing and technical assistance for arts and cultural programs in New Haven neighborhoods. The goals of the program are:

1. To encourage the education of emerging artists;

2. To strengthen neighborhood cohesiveness through collaborative programs particularly aimed at families and youth; and

3. To promote and celebrate cultural awareness and diversity.

Individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations working with neighborhood-based community and/or youth or senior groups within the City of New Haven are encouraged to apply. Eligible activities include festivals, parades, exhibitions, murals/public art, children's activities, inter-generational programs, arts education, film, public performances, neighborhood collaborations and apprenticeships. Applicants may apply for up to $1,500.

Individuals or organizations that have already received 4 consecutive years of funding will not be eligible to submit an application for a 5th year. However may reapply to the program again in the 6th year.

The Mayor’s Community Arts Grants Program was established in 2000, and is one of a number of City efforts aimed at supporting local artists and fostering arts and cultural events in New Haven neighborhoods. Those efforts increased last year with the creation of the Winchester Revitalization Art Project, a joint effort of the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, the Livable City Initiative and the Office of Economic Development. The project seeks to encourage arts and culture in the

Newhallville neighborhood through programming on Winchester Avenue and

other area venues. The neighborhood-based program seeks to engage the

community in positive arts activities that take advantage of vacant

city-owned lots and other community spaces.

“As the Cultural Capitol of the state, New Haven has a renowned arts and cultural scene enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. The Community Arts Grants Program and projects like WRAP are aimed at making sure all New Haven residents and neighborhoods have an opportunity to enjoy and benefit from those rich cultural opportunities,” said Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

"New Haven benefits from a rich, diverse community of individual artists and organizations in neighborhoods throughout the city. Our local cultural scene plays a big role in making New Haven an attractive place to live, work, and visit,” said Economic Development Administrator Kelly Murphy.

Five information sessions have been scheduled for individuals or groups interested in applying. Those dates are:

• Thursday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Library

• Monday, May 7, 5 p.m. at the Stetson Library

• Tuesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Library

• Thursday, May 10 at 5 p.m. at the Mitchell Library

• Tuesday, May 15 at 5 p.m. at the Main Branch

Letters of intent are due on May 18, and applications will be accepted through June 4. For guidelines and a complete application, visit the Mayor’s Community Arts Grants Program website at: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/CulturalAffairs/CulturalDev/Grants.asp

Contact Name: Elizabeth Benton

Contact Email: ebenton@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660