Updates
On January 6th, we received nearly 50 proposals from more than 30 artists, individuals, and organizations in response to Art Lives Here’s call for Creative Placemaking Projects.  Partners from organizations throughout the Gateway Arts District are excited and enthusiastic about the great ideas that have come through this process.

A local dance organization wants to activate the Mount Rainier Circle through a celebratory procession; a local artist with a studio in Brentwood wants to activate his studio windows with video projection enlivening US Route 1; a community member is looking to create a Gateway specific “car-horn symphony”; a piano tuner and restoration expert wants to turn pianos into functional art pieces to be distributed throughout the arts district.  The ideas are varied and suggest a thoughtful approach to transforming some of the most under-used properties in our community.

Recent Wins
A pre-proposal workshop was held at Art Works Studio School in December to detail creative placemaking concepts, answer questions and offer large visions beyond individual projects.  A team of arts leaders fielded inquiries of specific proposals to help folks design projects for greater impact.

More than ever Art Lives Here partners are impressed and inspired by the wide ranging concepts that have come from the community. Individuals who live, work and play in the Gateway Arts District have participated and communicated their enthusiasm, excitement and love of this district. Partners feel increasingly privileged to serve such a diverse and creative community.

On January 15th  an Open Review Session of the proposals was hosted by Brentwood Arts Exchange. Reviewers include:

-- Rhonda Dallas Executive Director of the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council
-- Barbara Johnson Executive Director of Art Works Now
-- Brooke Kidd Executive Director of Joe’s Movement Emporium
-- Margaret Boozer Director of Red Dirt Studio
-- Claire Huschle Interim Program Director, Assistant Professor of Arts Management at George Mason University
-- John Paradiso Arts Program and Facilities Manager at Gateway Community Development Corporation

Art Lives Here is opening its review process to the artists to facilitate capacity building for participants.  The panel will discuss each proposal and view supporting materials, such as video, music and photos submitted by applicants.  The projects will be scored on artistic merit in creative placemaking, impact on the Gateway Arts District, community engagement, implementation capacity, and audience development potential.  It is hoped that more than 12 projects will be funded.

Insight/Provocation
Gateway Arts District members dream big. Upon expanding the budget range up to $6,000, many proposals requested the full amount.  Some of the projects are creative placemaking, but others are requests to support new work or educational programming.  Some of the proposals that fall into the latter category will be connected to established arts organizations and/or alternative funding sources.