CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
Old Takoma Business Association’s
reCYCLE Take a Seat! Public Art Project City of Takoma Park Small Community Grant Application
Prepared by: Laura Barclay Old Takoma Business Association October 31, 2012
1
CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND SMALL COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FISCAL YEAR 2013
GENERAL INFORMATION Organization Name:
Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA)
Organization Address: City/State/Zip:
P.O. Box 5440 Takoma Park, MD 20913
Program Name (if different): reCYCLE Public Art Project Contact Person/Title:
Laura Barclay, Co- Executive Director
Telephone Number: E-mail Address:
Office: (301) 891-6789 [email protected]
Amount Requested:
$2,500
Use of Grant Funds: ___ Maintain Existing Program X
_____Expand Existing Program
_____ Start New Program
Fund Discrete Project
We, the authorized representatives of the applicant organization, have completed or directed the completion of this application for the City of Takoma Park Small Community Grant Program and confirm that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. ________________________________ Signature/Date
__________________________________ Signature/Date
________________________________ Printed Name/Title
__________________________________ Printed Name/Title
2
A. OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM OR PROJECT FOR WHICH YOU ARE REQUESTING FUNDS: 1. Program/Project Summary: Provide a brief summary of the program or project. reCYCLE Take a Seat is the third installment in the Old Takoma Business Association’s reCYCLE temporary public art series in Old Takoma (Takoma, DC to Takoma Park, MD). For 2013, chairs, benches, thrones, pews, stools etc. are the theme (known collectively as seats throughout this proposal) - anything to encourage resting, day-dreaming and eventually reenergizing to continue to explore the Old Takoma area. Artists will be asked to create imaginative and whimsical seats, made from repurposed or recycled materials, which will be installed in small clusters– creating little seating areas along the sidewalks of Old Takoma. It is the goal to also have some of the seats placed inside area businesses to further encourage exploration of Old Takoma’s independently owned and local businesses. The intention is to leverage the last two reCYCLE Public Art Projects by changing the theme to generate excitement in the community, provide additional ways to reach out to new prospective visitors from the greater DC area and to encourage regular return visits to Old Takoma’s independently owned and local businesses. With this year’s theme, we think that we will also be able to encourage a greater mix of participating artists – mixed both by media used and skill level. We anticipate that this theme will attract more clever people in the community that do not necessarily call themselves artists and may have been intimidated by our previous request to create a sculpture. Media choices may also be more diverse with this theme: a painter could participate by painting and repurposing an existing chair, a wood worker could carve bench, a welder could repurpose scrap metal into a throne, etc. Last year, we commissioned 10 sculptures and we are hoping to commission more seats this year in order to create many little clusters of unusual seats throughout the Old Takoma area. The number of seats commissioned directly correlates to the amount of funding that we are able to raise. Like in previous years, the seats will be strategically installed in Old Takoma to create a selfguided, walking exhibit through the city center. After approximately 5 months, the seats will removed and auctioned off to the public so that they may continue to be enjoyed in homes, gardens and other favorite spaces. The auction sales will be the start of funding for the 2014 reCYCLE Project. We are hoping to evolve the auction process this year and are proposing to the Takoma Foundation that the reCYCLE auction occur as a live auction at the Takoma Foundation BeerFest in October 2013. 1A. Funds requested: $_______$2,500_____
3
2. Address how the program or project fits within the Strategic Plan and Council Priorities. The re-CYCLE public art exhibit fits within the following Council Priority: “Livable Community” - creates and maintains a livable community that is vibrant, healthy and safe with convenient transportation for all its residents. In general, public art distinguishes a city as a vibrant cultural environment and shows that it cares about its public spaces. Public art programs help define a community's identity and reveal its unique character. With this focus comes a decrease in litter, graffiti and crime, and an increase in public awareness, vitality and livability. By drawing new people to the area and attracting residents to see the town with new eyes, this exhibit will encourage community interaction and help bring Takoma Park new visibility in the broader Washington, DC area. 3. Need Statement: Identify the issue or need that this program or project will address in Takoma Park. Old Takoma needs additional attractions to engage visitors. We believe that creating an engaging and changing public art exhibition will help further define Old Takoma’s unique identity and continue to enhance its image as an interesting destination for shopping, dining, recreation and art. An annual public art project will regularly breathe new energy into the streets of Old Takoma to encourage community exploration of the entire Old Takoma area (from the Takoma Junction, Maryland, to the Takoma Theatre, DC). The exhibit is unique to this area and is intended to attract non-residents who will also make Old Takoma a destination for further activities. The placement of the seats will be such that it creates a self-guided, walking tour of the entire Old Takoma area which will showcase area businesses and integrate the three distinct areas of Old Takoma providing a flow of pedestrian traffic between each. Identify the target recipients. All members of the community benefit when the Old Takoma area is enhanced. Additionally, it is the anticipation that Old Takoma businesses will also see increased foot traffic as visitors come to the city to view the exhibit. The positive community response from the previous years’ reCYCLE projects reconfirms our belief that the public is interested in public art in the community, especially when it reflects the members’ lifestyle, beliefs, etc. Identify the number of Takoma Park residents to be directly affected or served (if applicable). All – with a vibrant, welcoming Old Takoma, the entire community benefits.
4
4. Program/Project Impact: List the anticipated outcomes. What will change as a result of this program or activity? How will the community benefit? The seats will be installed along the sidewalks of Old Takoma creating an art exhibit accessible to all which will encourage exploration of the entire Old Takoma area - from the Takoma Junction, Maryland, to the Takoma Theatre, DC. Whimsical seats and benches created by area artists along the sidewalks attract visitors and give them a chance to relax in Old Takoma while they explore the area. Because the seats are made from recycled and repurposed materials, the exhibit promotes recycling, art and the environment- three ideals that are important to the members of the Takoma community. 4A. Will this program or activity increase community engagement? Explain. Yes, please see above. 4B. Will the program result in the formation of a new neighborhood or tenant association or will it be done in partnership with an existing association? No. 5. Action Plan: Briefly describe each activity to be conducted to meet the desired outcomes. If applicable, identify the average number of days or hours per month each activity will be provided to program participants. Be specific. Partners: The OTBA will establish partnerships for the project with area arts organizations like Old Takoma’s ArtSpring and Silver Spring’s Pyramid Atlantic. In the past, these relationships provide the project with an arts perspective and guidance as well as an email list of prospective artist applicants. Furthermore, these contacts will share their arts-oriented press contacts to help publicize the exhibit. Sponsors and Grant Money: The OTBA will require grant money and sponsorship beyond that requested in this proposal. Those funding sources are outlined herein in question B-2. The money from sponsors and grants will be used to compensate the artists, create signage for the seats and pay for marketing expenses, like logo design, maps, posters and ads to ensure that the public is made aware of the new exhibit. Additionally, the funding will pay for the hardware required to install the seats and make certain that they will safely remain in place for the duration of the exhibit. Artists: The OTBA will put out a call for individuals or teams of artists to submit applications to design and create seats to be displayed outside, along the sidewalks of Old Takoma. The artists’ applications will include a sketch of the proposed art work, a description of materials and approximate size and weight of the object. A jury will be recruited to select the winning proposals based on a variety of criteria including creativity, durability and suitability for pre-selected sites. The artists will be paid 50%
5
to begin their work and 50% upon delivery. The seats will be completed in approximately 60 days and delivered to Old Takoma. Installation: The OTBA will work with the City of Takoma Park, the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Historic Commission of Montgomery County and private property owners to acquire permission and permits for sculpture installation. Volunteers: Volunteers will be recruited to assist in the installation and de-installation process. Sales: All seats will be presented to the public in October for sale. Sales will be used to help fund the OTBA’s 2014 public art exhibit. 6. Program Evaluation: Identify and describe the methods to be used to evaluate this program or project (questionnaire, interview, survey, observation)? How will you know if it is successful? Like last year, the OTBA will know how successful this activity is by community response and whether and how quickly the seats sell. 7. Organization Evaluation: Briefly describe one or two similar programs or projects your organization has undertaken and provide an assessment of their effectiveness. If the organization has not undertaken programs or projects, you may respond to this question by addressing the experience of the officers or project leaders. The OTBA produced the past two year’s reCYCLE projects: 2012 The Art of Tree and 2011 reCYCLE The Art of Bike. Also, the OTBA regularly holds the annual ART Hop and the Takoma Park Street Festival – two other annual, successful community arts events. 8. Are you prepared to complete your program or project by June 30, 2012? Yes – all seats will be completed by then, all artist payments will be made, and most marketing expenses will be incurred and paid. 8. Collaboration: Is this a collaborative program involving other organizations? If so, please provide further information. Partner: The OTBA plans to continue partnerships with Old Takoma’s ArtSpring Community Arts Store and Silver Spring’s Pyramid Atlantic. We plan to access the organizations’ artist community and relationships to increase the reach of a call for artists and for publicity around the project. Additionally, the relationships will provide members for the committee required for selecting the seats. Like last year, the OTBA will need to work closely with the City of Takoma Park and the Maryland State Highway Administration to determine that the seas are installed in permitted and approved locations only.
6
B. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Name
Title
Term
Seth Balsam (2014)
Rocco Casagrande -- President (2013)
Seth Grimes (2013)
Singh Kochhar (2014)
Diana Kohn (2013)
Ethan Landis – Secretary (2014)
Bruce Levin (2014)
Jeff McCandless (2012)
Meaghan Murphy - Chair Promotions Committee
Preston Quesenberry -Chair (2013) Economic Restructuring
Jeff Trunzo Chair, Design Committee
John Urciolo – Treasurer (2013)
2. In what year did the organization begin operating? 2004 3. In what year did this program begin operating? 2011 4. Is the organization incorporated? If so, in what state? Yes, Maryland 7
Address
5. Is the organization qualified under Internal Revenue Code and regulations as a tax exempt organization? If so, under what section of 501(c)? Yes, 501 (c) (3). Federal Identification Number (if any): 75-3131452 6. Is this organization in compliance with all applicable federal, state and county laws and regulations? Yes. 7. Staffing Profile: Identify the number and position/title of staff used to administer this program or project: List Positions/Titles: Laura Barclay, Co- Executive Director, OTBA Patty Baker, Co- Executive Director, OTBA How many volunteers are used to administer this program? Approximately 6 to install and de-install the seats and 6 to sit on the jury for sculpture selection. C. FUNDING SUMMARY: 1. Grant request: $2,500 2. Funds secured from other sources (include status of funding/amount/source): $2,600 Sale of 2012 reCYCLE Sculptures (ESTIMATED) 3. Additional funds yet to be secured: Unsecured Funding Sources Grants and private donations Pyramid Atlantic Mark’s Kitchen Fundraiser
$ $ $
Total Unsecured Funds
6,200 250 450 $ 6,900
4. Estimated number of volunteer hours (provide number of hours x $20.25): 6 volunteers x 6 hours each for installation and de-installation x $20.25= $729 6 volunteers x 2 hours each for $20.25=$243 TOTAL: $972 8
5. Value of other in-kind donations (provide details): Sculpture installation Services by Takoma builders: 3 people x 3 hours each x $50/hour: $450 6. Total program revenues: Auction of 20 seats at average $200 each: $4,000 D. BUDGET Provide a detailed budget for the program or project. Include revenues and expenditures. 2012 Forecasted Expenses Artists - 20 Seats at $200-$500 each* Graphic Designer Signs, Banners, Posters, Copies Advertising Installation Expenses – Hardware Total Expenses
$ $ $ $ $
7,000 500 500 1,000 500 $ 9,500
Total Revenue (estimated from seat sales)
$ 4,000
*Amount paid to be based on size and complexity of seats. Number of seats commissioned is based on amount of funding secured. E. TIME LINE Provide a detailed time line for completion of the program, project, or activity. The project must be completed and funds must be expended within the 2012 fiscal year (by June 30, 2012). Secure Partners, Sponsors and Grants Call for Artists Artist Application Deadline Artist Acceptance and Rejection Notification Delivery of Seats and Installation Auction Sculpture De-Installation Secure Partners, Sponsors and Grants
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By February 15, 2013 February 15, 2013 March 15, 2013 April 5. 2013 June 7, 2013 October 2013 By October 31st, 2013 By February 15, 2013
reCYCLE Take a Seat! Public Art Project City of Takoma Park Small Community Grant Application
Prepared by: Laura Barclay Old Takoma Business Association October 31, 2012
1
CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND SMALL COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FISCAL YEAR 2013
GENERAL INFORMATION Organization Name:
Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA)
Organization Address: City/State/Zip:
P.O. Box 5440 Takoma Park, MD 20913
Program Name (if different): reCYCLE Public Art Project Contact Person/Title:
Laura Barclay, Co- Executive Director
Telephone Number: E-mail Address:
Office: (301) 891-6789 [email protected]
Amount Requested:
$2,500
Use of Grant Funds: ___ Maintain Existing Program X
_____Expand Existing Program
_____ Start New Program
Fund Discrete Project
We, the authorized representatives of the applicant organization, have completed or directed the completion of this application for the City of Takoma Park Small Community Grant Program and confirm that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. ________________________________ Signature/Date
__________________________________ Signature/Date
________________________________ Printed Name/Title
__________________________________ Printed Name/Title
2
A. OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM OR PROJECT FOR WHICH YOU ARE REQUESTING FUNDS: 1. Program/Project Summary: Provide a brief summary of the program or project. reCYCLE Take a Seat is the third installment in the Old Takoma Business Association’s reCYCLE temporary public art series in Old Takoma (Takoma, DC to Takoma Park, MD). For 2013, chairs, benches, thrones, pews, stools etc. are the theme (known collectively as seats throughout this proposal) - anything to encourage resting, day-dreaming and eventually reenergizing to continue to explore the Old Takoma area. Artists will be asked to create imaginative and whimsical seats, made from repurposed or recycled materials, which will be installed in small clusters– creating little seating areas along the sidewalks of Old Takoma. It is the goal to also have some of the seats placed inside area businesses to further encourage exploration of Old Takoma’s independently owned and local businesses. The intention is to leverage the last two reCYCLE Public Art Projects by changing the theme to generate excitement in the community, provide additional ways to reach out to new prospective visitors from the greater DC area and to encourage regular return visits to Old Takoma’s independently owned and local businesses. With this year’s theme, we think that we will also be able to encourage a greater mix of participating artists – mixed both by media used and skill level. We anticipate that this theme will attract more clever people in the community that do not necessarily call themselves artists and may have been intimidated by our previous request to create a sculpture. Media choices may also be more diverse with this theme: a painter could participate by painting and repurposing an existing chair, a wood worker could carve bench, a welder could repurpose scrap metal into a throne, etc. Last year, we commissioned 10 sculptures and we are hoping to commission more seats this year in order to create many little clusters of unusual seats throughout the Old Takoma area. The number of seats commissioned directly correlates to the amount of funding that we are able to raise. Like in previous years, the seats will be strategically installed in Old Takoma to create a selfguided, walking exhibit through the city center. After approximately 5 months, the seats will removed and auctioned off to the public so that they may continue to be enjoyed in homes, gardens and other favorite spaces. The auction sales will be the start of funding for the 2014 reCYCLE Project. We are hoping to evolve the auction process this year and are proposing to the Takoma Foundation that the reCYCLE auction occur as a live auction at the Takoma Foundation BeerFest in October 2013. 1A. Funds requested: $_______$2,500_____
3
2. Address how the program or project fits within the Strategic Plan and Council Priorities. The re-CYCLE public art exhibit fits within the following Council Priority: “Livable Community” - creates and maintains a livable community that is vibrant, healthy and safe with convenient transportation for all its residents. In general, public art distinguishes a city as a vibrant cultural environment and shows that it cares about its public spaces. Public art programs help define a community's identity and reveal its unique character. With this focus comes a decrease in litter, graffiti and crime, and an increase in public awareness, vitality and livability. By drawing new people to the area and attracting residents to see the town with new eyes, this exhibit will encourage community interaction and help bring Takoma Park new visibility in the broader Washington, DC area. 3. Need Statement: Identify the issue or need that this program or project will address in Takoma Park. Old Takoma needs additional attractions to engage visitors. We believe that creating an engaging and changing public art exhibition will help further define Old Takoma’s unique identity and continue to enhance its image as an interesting destination for shopping, dining, recreation and art. An annual public art project will regularly breathe new energy into the streets of Old Takoma to encourage community exploration of the entire Old Takoma area (from the Takoma Junction, Maryland, to the Takoma Theatre, DC). The exhibit is unique to this area and is intended to attract non-residents who will also make Old Takoma a destination for further activities. The placement of the seats will be such that it creates a self-guided, walking tour of the entire Old Takoma area which will showcase area businesses and integrate the three distinct areas of Old Takoma providing a flow of pedestrian traffic between each. Identify the target recipients. All members of the community benefit when the Old Takoma area is enhanced. Additionally, it is the anticipation that Old Takoma businesses will also see increased foot traffic as visitors come to the city to view the exhibit. The positive community response from the previous years’ reCYCLE projects reconfirms our belief that the public is interested in public art in the community, especially when it reflects the members’ lifestyle, beliefs, etc. Identify the number of Takoma Park residents to be directly affected or served (if applicable). All – with a vibrant, welcoming Old Takoma, the entire community benefits.
4
4. Program/Project Impact: List the anticipated outcomes. What will change as a result of this program or activity? How will the community benefit? The seats will be installed along the sidewalks of Old Takoma creating an art exhibit accessible to all which will encourage exploration of the entire Old Takoma area - from the Takoma Junction, Maryland, to the Takoma Theatre, DC. Whimsical seats and benches created by area artists along the sidewalks attract visitors and give them a chance to relax in Old Takoma while they explore the area. Because the seats are made from recycled and repurposed materials, the exhibit promotes recycling, art and the environment- three ideals that are important to the members of the Takoma community. 4A. Will this program or activity increase community engagement? Explain. Yes, please see above. 4B. Will the program result in the formation of a new neighborhood or tenant association or will it be done in partnership with an existing association? No. 5. Action Plan: Briefly describe each activity to be conducted to meet the desired outcomes. If applicable, identify the average number of days or hours per month each activity will be provided to program participants. Be specific. Partners: The OTBA will establish partnerships for the project with area arts organizations like Old Takoma’s ArtSpring and Silver Spring’s Pyramid Atlantic. In the past, these relationships provide the project with an arts perspective and guidance as well as an email list of prospective artist applicants. Furthermore, these contacts will share their arts-oriented press contacts to help publicize the exhibit. Sponsors and Grant Money: The OTBA will require grant money and sponsorship beyond that requested in this proposal. Those funding sources are outlined herein in question B-2. The money from sponsors and grants will be used to compensate the artists, create signage for the seats and pay for marketing expenses, like logo design, maps, posters and ads to ensure that the public is made aware of the new exhibit. Additionally, the funding will pay for the hardware required to install the seats and make certain that they will safely remain in place for the duration of the exhibit. Artists: The OTBA will put out a call for individuals or teams of artists to submit applications to design and create seats to be displayed outside, along the sidewalks of Old Takoma. The artists’ applications will include a sketch of the proposed art work, a description of materials and approximate size and weight of the object. A jury will be recruited to select the winning proposals based on a variety of criteria including creativity, durability and suitability for pre-selected sites. The artists will be paid 50%
5
to begin their work and 50% upon delivery. The seats will be completed in approximately 60 days and delivered to Old Takoma. Installation: The OTBA will work with the City of Takoma Park, the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Historic Commission of Montgomery County and private property owners to acquire permission and permits for sculpture installation. Volunteers: Volunteers will be recruited to assist in the installation and de-installation process. Sales: All seats will be presented to the public in October for sale. Sales will be used to help fund the OTBA’s 2014 public art exhibit. 6. Program Evaluation: Identify and describe the methods to be used to evaluate this program or project (questionnaire, interview, survey, observation)? How will you know if it is successful? Like last year, the OTBA will know how successful this activity is by community response and whether and how quickly the seats sell. 7. Organization Evaluation: Briefly describe one or two similar programs or projects your organization has undertaken and provide an assessment of their effectiveness. If the organization has not undertaken programs or projects, you may respond to this question by addressing the experience of the officers or project leaders. The OTBA produced the past two year’s reCYCLE projects: 2012 The Art of Tree and 2011 reCYCLE The Art of Bike. Also, the OTBA regularly holds the annual ART Hop and the Takoma Park Street Festival – two other annual, successful community arts events. 8. Are you prepared to complete your program or project by June 30, 2012? Yes – all seats will be completed by then, all artist payments will be made, and most marketing expenses will be incurred and paid. 8. Collaboration: Is this a collaborative program involving other organizations? If so, please provide further information. Partner: The OTBA plans to continue partnerships with Old Takoma’s ArtSpring Community Arts Store and Silver Spring’s Pyramid Atlantic. We plan to access the organizations’ artist community and relationships to increase the reach of a call for artists and for publicity around the project. Additionally, the relationships will provide members for the committee required for selecting the seats. Like last year, the OTBA will need to work closely with the City of Takoma Park and the Maryland State Highway Administration to determine that the seas are installed in permitted and approved locations only.
6
B. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Name
Title
Term
Seth Balsam (2014)
Rocco Casagrande -- President (2013)
Seth Grimes (2013)
Singh Kochhar (2014)
Diana Kohn (2013)
Ethan Landis – Secretary (2014)
Bruce Levin (2014)
Jeff McCandless (2012)
Meaghan Murphy - Chair Promotions Committee
Preston Quesenberry -Chair (2013) Economic Restructuring
Jeff Trunzo Chair, Design Committee
John Urciolo – Treasurer (2013)
2. In what year did the organization begin operating? 2004 3. In what year did this program begin operating? 2011 4. Is the organization incorporated? If so, in what state? Yes, Maryland 7
Address
5. Is the organization qualified under Internal Revenue Code and regulations as a tax exempt organization? If so, under what section of 501(c)? Yes, 501 (c) (3). Federal Identification Number (if any): 75-3131452 6. Is this organization in compliance with all applicable federal, state and county laws and regulations? Yes. 7. Staffing Profile: Identify the number and position/title of staff used to administer this program or project: List Positions/Titles: Laura Barclay, Co- Executive Director, OTBA Patty Baker, Co- Executive Director, OTBA How many volunteers are used to administer this program? Approximately 6 to install and de-install the seats and 6 to sit on the jury for sculpture selection. C. FUNDING SUMMARY: 1. Grant request: $2,500 2. Funds secured from other sources (include status of funding/amount/source): $2,600 Sale of 2012 reCYCLE Sculptures (ESTIMATED) 3. Additional funds yet to be secured: Unsecured Funding Sources Grants and private donations Pyramid Atlantic Mark’s Kitchen Fundraiser
$ $ $
Total Unsecured Funds
6,200 250 450 $ 6,900
4. Estimated number of volunteer hours (provide number of hours x $20.25): 6 volunteers x 6 hours each for installation and de-installation x $20.25= $729 6 volunteers x 2 hours each for $20.25=$243 TOTAL: $972 8
5. Value of other in-kind donations (provide details): Sculpture installation Services by Takoma builders: 3 people x 3 hours each x $50/hour: $450 6. Total program revenues: Auction of 20 seats at average $200 each: $4,000 D. BUDGET Provide a detailed budget for the program or project. Include revenues and expenditures. 2012 Forecasted Expenses Artists - 20 Seats at $200-$500 each* Graphic Designer Signs, Banners, Posters, Copies Advertising Installation Expenses – Hardware Total Expenses
$ $ $ $ $
7,000 500 500 1,000 500 $ 9,500
Total Revenue (estimated from seat sales)
$ 4,000
*Amount paid to be based on size and complexity of seats. Number of seats commissioned is based on amount of funding secured. E. TIME LINE Provide a detailed time line for completion of the program, project, or activity. The project must be completed and funds must be expended within the 2012 fiscal year (by June 30, 2012). Secure Partners, Sponsors and Grants Call for Artists Artist Application Deadline Artist Acceptance and Rejection Notification Delivery of Seats and Installation Auction Sculpture De-Installation Secure Partners, Sponsors and Grants
9
By February 15, 2013 February 15, 2013 March 15, 2013 April 5. 2013 June 7, 2013 October 2013 By October 31st, 2013 By February 15, 2013
