The “LynnSpire” Creative Placemaking Grant was developed to financially support creative ideas, concepts, programs, and initiatives that positively influence and strengthen the local creative economy. Arts and culture-based design solutions have the ability to support the advancement of “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility” (DEIA) in all forms, or to re-create everyday spaces, to see the potential of parks, neighborhoods, streets, markets, and public buildings, to bring the community together. In all cases, projects that focus on DEIA outcomes will be prioritized. This program is specifically geared to advance creative placemaking/placekeeping projects in and around downtown, Union Street and adjoining neighborhoods in Lynn. While applications from across the city will be accepted, projects that aim to activate underutilized public spaces in downtown Lynn, or can demonstrate a meaningful connection to the downtown will be prioritized.
The goals of the Lynnspire Creative Placemaking Grant Program include:
- Integrating arts, culture and design activities into efforts that strengthen our community creating opportunities for neighbors to connect with one another
- Addressing the need for safe public spaces for connection, identity, healing, and trust
- Supporting artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are not always fully represented, from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, ESL and other marginalized communities
- Creating partnerships amongst local businesses, artists and community collaborations
- Expanding city-wide celebrations of art
- Celebrating artists, community pride, local entrepreneurship, culture, small businesses
- Creating a visible product: outdoor events, public art, community programs that address a social need
$50,000 has been allocated for this grant program. 16 grants will be awarded as follows:
- 10 grants of $1,000.00
- Four grants of $5,000.00
- Two grants of $10,000.00
Eligible Applicants:
We encourage everyone (individuals, non-profits, community groups, etc.) to apply, especially those from underrepresented communities. However, applicants must either reside in Lynn, work in Lynn or be active change-makers who are working actively to uplift the Lynn community including creatives, emerging artists of all kinds, cultural groups, those who need match funding to close financial gaps in their placemaking projects.
Eligible Projects:
Projects should involve/benefit the city of Lynn, its residents, and/or local businesses and visitors to Lynn using Arts and Culture. They could create/strengthen/enhance public spaces or create opportunities for community to gather, meet, be enriched in local culture. Projects emphasizing the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) will be given priority.
Projects may address challenges faced by Lynn, including but not limited to:
- Connecting various people in the city who otherwise would not meet.
- Empowering certain groups, especially from underrepresented communities e.g. Immigrants, the elderly, LGBTQ+ community
- Elevating the health and well-being of Lynners using Arts and Culture
IMPORTANT DATES and DEADLINES
Grant Application Opens: February 15, 2023
Grant Application Informational Webinar: February 21, 2023, 12-1 pm
Grant Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
https://bit.ly/lynnspire-grants (For the Online Form)
Formulario en línea en español
En español Para descargar
Grant Review Period: March 15, 2023 – April 15, 2023
Grant Award Notification: April 15, 2023
Grant Awardees Project Invoice Submission Deadline: June 1, 2023
Grant Awardees Project Completion Deadline: December 31, 2023
Grant Awardees Final Report Due: January 31, 2024