The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville is accepting applications from artists and nonprofit organizations for grants up to $30,000.
The council’s SPARK Grant Program allows for the integration of arts and cultural projects throughout the SPARK District, an area within the urban core.
During an appearance on WJCT's “First Coast Connect,” the Cultural Council’s Executive Director Tony Allegretti talked about the SPARK Grant Program.
Allegretti says the council raises private funding for all the grants given through the program.
“And when we stack up those dollars, we can regrant those for artists and projects and this is the SPARK District,” Allegretti said.
An example of a past winning project is Lyricist Live produced by Mal Jones, which is a monthly event downtown. It’s a street-level, freestyle rap session, which draws a sizeable crowd of spectators and aspiring artists.
Another grant winner was Sculpture Walk, which is a temporary outdoor exhibition downtown. Thirteen large sculptures are on display downtown.
“It’s like a hall of fame for the alumni of this group,” Allegretti said.
But he also says the council will be very selective this year.
“It’s a lot of money this time, but it’s going to be super competitive,” Allegretti said. “We know that we’re going to get great results out of it.”
The deadline to apply for the program is tomorrow, Thursday, August 6 at midnight.
Listen to the full conversation with Tony Allegretti on Wednesday’s episode of the “First Coast Connect” podcast on iTunes.
