Chattanooga non-profits, residents, creatives, artists, event curators, community groups and entrepreneurs are all eligible to apply for funding to host an event or community-led initiative in Cooper’s Alley, 10 East 7th St. Alley Animation grants will be awarded in increments of $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 for events to occur from April to December this year.
A River City Company program made possible by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the deadline to apply for Alley Animation grant funding is Feb. 14. Tasked with choosing the winners, the selection committee includes two local artists, four downtown businesses and non-profits, a representative from Public Art Chattanooga, The Enterprise Center and The Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau. Grant awardees will be notified in March.
“We’re excited to provide opportunities for the community to contribute creative energy to Cooper’s Alley,” said Meagan Shinn, program director for River City Company. “This initiative will ultimately support our work to animate public space, build a sense of belonging Downtown and generate activity that supports Downtown businesses.”
To learn more about the Alley Animation program and grant funds, community members are invited to attend an informational meeting on Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. If someone cannot attend this meeting or would like a dedicated time to discuss his or her idea, River City staff will be hosting office hours to meet with interested individuals starting Jan. 17. Attendance at the informational meeting or office hours is not required to apply, but it is highly encouraged.
While all the criteria to select grantees is on the website alleyanimation.com, the Alley Animation Grant Committee selecting the winners is looking for programs that are free to attend, open to the public and welcoming to diverse audiences. Fresh, creative and authentic ideas that support local initiatives while also being feasible to organize within the year with collaborative partnerships will make strong applications.
To learn more, sign up for an office hour spot or to apply for grant funding, visit www.alleyanimation.com.