The city of Phoenix is receiving a $100,000 grant to support a public art master plan and community arts programming in the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced 60 awards totaling $4.1 million to support projects across the nation through the NEA's Our Town program.
"Public art in our neighborhoods enhances a sense of community and quality of life," Mayor Greg Stanton said. "This grant will not only preserve and add to the special character of the Eastlake-Edison community, but will also give artists real opportunities to create original work."
This grant will be used for the development and implementation of public art projects and community art programs that strengthen the social cohesion of the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. Edison-Eastlake is on the rise following decades of economic disinvestment and is the focus of the Phoenix Choice Neighborhoods Program - a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant program. The Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan outlines goals of preserving the historic and demographic character of the community.
"This grant will add even more vibrancy and beauty to the already historic Edison-Eastlake neighborhood," said Phoenix Councilwoman Kate Gallego who represents the district. "Public art community programming will not only strengthen the neighborhood but will also have a positive economic impact as well."
"The variety and quality of these Our Town projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "Through the work of organizations such as the city of Phoenix Housing Department, NEA funding invests in local communities, helping people celebrate the arts wherever they are."
The arts project will be led by the city's Housing Department, in partnership with Xico, Inc., a local arts organization, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, and other community groups.
For a complete list of projects recommended for Our Town grant support, visit arts.gov.
For more information about the Phoenix Housing Department, call 602-262-6794 or visit phoenix.gov/housing. Follow us on Twitter @phxhousing.
