title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application for up to $100,000 to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative
body
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Department: |
Planning and Development |
Meeting Date: |
1/21/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Travis Henley |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5885 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution Attachment #2: Grant Opportunity Information |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the resolution is to request Council approval for the City Manager to submit a grant application to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the development of an art-based traffic safety and placemaking project.
BACKGROUND:
Staff is requesting authorization to apply for up to $100,000 in grant funds from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative (“Bloomberg”), which is focused on improving traffic safety and placemaking using asphalt art, art directly painted upon the roadway surface. The grant funding will be used to conduct community engagements to ensure the artistic direction is rooted in the wants of the community, the identification and selection of artists and art, and the installation of the final design. While the City is the applicant, Bloomberg recommends the grant fiduciary be an external stakeholder. The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County has volunteered to serve in this role, as well as take the lead on artistic direction and the artist selection process.
Through coordination with many internal and external stakeholders as well as using engagement data from the Wilmington Greater Downtown Plan effort currently underway, Staff have identified the 10th Street corridor between Ann and Castle Streets as the ideal location, with art to be placed at the 10th and Ann Street intersection, 10th and Castle Street intersection, and the mid-block crosswalk connecting Williston Middle School to Robert Strange Park. Depending on budget availability, art may also be used along the corridor to visually narrow the travel lanes and improve the basketball courts at Robert Strange Park. The art installation will be designed to increase pedestrian safety at these locations, decrease vehicle speed, and increase visual interest along the corridor. Should the grant be awarded, staff and the Arts Council will collaborate on a robust public engagement plan designed to ensure that the community’s vision is incorporated into the eventual artistic design.
If awarded, the City would be required to maintain the art for a minimum of two years. We anticipate recruiting volunteers for repainting events for surfaces where regular paint is used.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The requested grant funding amount is up to $100,000 dollars, with no required local match. In-kind expenses, such as costs associated with traffic control during community painting days and long-term maintenance, would be the responsibility of the City.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends passage of the resolution.