The City of Roanoke and the Foundation for Roanoke Valley have announced a partnership to offer mini-grants toward implementation of the city’s Arts and Cultural Plan. Grants between 0 to ,500 will be awarded to non-profits, schools, and organizations to fund projects that have a clear community benefit, are collaborative in nature, and which advance one or more of the city’s three main arts and cultural policies: “Vibrant Region-Healthy Economy;” “Livable Communities-Engaged Neighborhoods;” and “People-Education-Lifelong Learning.” A total of ,000 in grants will be awarded.
The city’s first Arts and Cultural Plan was adopted by City Council in August 2011. The plan was developed by the Roanoke Arts Commission and the city’s Planning, Building, and Development Department with partner organizations, as well as citizen input drawn from numerous focus groups, public meetings, and a survey. Additionally, analysis of other communities’ best practices in arts and cultural development helped to shape the plan.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Alan Ronk, noted: “When the city approached us to partner on this effort, we jumped at the chance to help double the amount that could be awarded this year. Our Community Catalyst Funds are intended to make important projects happen, and we look forward to seeing the many creative ideas that flow from the grants process.”
Mayor David Bowers expressed his appreciation to the Foundation by saying “Arts and Culture are an important business in the Roanoke region. The programs which these grants support will add to the vitality and diversity of the city, making Roanoke a place where people and businesses want to live, work, and visit. We are grateful to Foundation for Roanoke Valley for joining us to sustain the arts in the City of Roanoke.”
Grant applications and information can be downloaded by accessing the link on the city’s homepage at www.roanokeva.gov., under “Read About.” For further information, contact Susan Jennings, Arts and Cultural Coordinator for the city, at [email protected]. Go to www.foundationforroanokevalley.org for more information about Foundation for Roanoke Valley.