Hi AFTA members,

Our colleagues at the NEA want to make sure all you know about the Our Town 2021 grant application and deadline.

Questions about the NEA and their grants are to be directed to: ot@arts.gov

Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts’ creative placemaking grants program. These grants support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes. These projects require a partnership between a nonprofit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization. Cost share/matching grants range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount. The application deadline is August 6, 2020.

In addition to previously eligible project types, Our Town FY2021 invites creative placemaking projects and innovative partnerships that respond to evolving and emerging local community needs. These may include efforts to support artists and cultural organizations in addressing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, artist unemployment, racial inequity, and other needs that may not be clear at this specific time. 

Check out the grant guidelines and view recently-recorded webinars to learn more about the application requirements.  

· How to Apply and Prepare an Our Town Project Proposal: Led by NEA and LISC staff, this webinar offers an overview on how to apply to the Our Town Program.  NEA Staff review the application guidelines and offer advice to ensure your Our Town application is clear and compelling.

· Inspiration for Prospective Our Town Applicants: This webinar gives a brief overview of the Our Town application process and features projects from Jacksonville, FL and inspiration from Seattle, Washington.

Patricia Walsh

Public Art and Civic Design Senior Program Manager

Americans for the Arts