Vermont Business Magazine Strengthening the connection between people and place, the award-winning projects of the Vermont Art Council’s 2023 Animating Infrastructure program promise to bring vibrancy and vitality to their communities through public art.
The 2023 awardees are:
- Albany Community Trust, Albany: $15,000 to fabricate and install a river-shaped table, barn quilts, and Little Free Cantastoria at the Albany Country Store
- Lamoille North Supervisory Union, Hyde Park: $10,000 to support the creation of a public mural on the exterior of the Johnson Elementary School
- Revitalizing Waterbury, Waterbury: $15,000 to commission and install a welcoming gateway entrance to enhance the Stowe Street Alley
- Town of Worcester, Worcester: $15,000 to support the addition of art to a resurfaced community basketball court
- Vergennes Partnership, Vergennes: $15,000 to integrate public art into the existing Tri-Town Shuttle bus stop on Green Street
- Vermont River Conservancy, Montpelier: $15,000 to build and install benches crafted by local artisans at Confluence River Park in downtown Montpelier
Additional implementation funding was provided to:
- Fairlee Community Arts, Fairlee: $3,000 to support the installation of two murals under the I-91 underpass.
Animating Infrastructure grants support community art projects in which public art is integrated into existing or proposed infrastructure improvements. Applicants are encouraged to think beyond the ordinary, envisioning new buildings, roads, bridges, and other public spaces that have the potential for artistic enhancement to create unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play. The intent is to enhance a sense of community pride and identity, to foster social connections, and to improve the livability and vibrancy of Vermont downtowns, villages, and neighborhoods.
Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded through the program each year. At least 80% of grant funds must be used to support the artists’ involvement in the design, fabrication or installation of the artwork. The remaining amount can be used to support the other aspects of the project, such as project management and community engagement activities.
For this year’s competition, the Council received 25 letters of interest with project ideas for communities from across Vermont. After initial review of the submissions by an external panel, nine applicants were invited to develop full proposals for funding consideration.
“Communities around the state are tapping into the power of incorporating artistic expression into infrastructure improvements. We are proud to support these seven inspiring projects, which demonstrate the impact of art and creativity in activating our public places,” said Vermont Arts Council Interim Executive Director Amy Cunningham.
Established in 2014, the program has supported 29 projects in 26 towns and 12 counties in Vermont.
Applications for FY24 funding are now open with a June 1 deadline for project pitches.
For more information about the Animating Infrastructure Program, visit https://vermontartscouncil.org/animating-infrastructure.
About the Vermont Arts Council
The Vermont Arts Council envisions a Vermont where all people have access to the arts and creativity in their lives, education, and communities. Engagement with the arts transforms individuals, connects us more deeply to each other, energizes the economy, and sustains the vibrant cultural landscape that makes Vermont a great place to live. Since 1965, the Council has been the state's primary provider of funding, advocacy, and information for the arts in Vermont. Learn more at www.vermontartscouncil.org
Source: 4.27.2023. MONTPELIER—Vermont Arts Council
