New program supports local art

COEUR d’ALENE — The city of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is inviting the local arts community to apply for funding through the new Community Arts Support Program.

This new program will provide one-time or re-occurring funding in support of local arts organizations, projects or programs offering visual or performance arts education, participation opportunities for individuals or adults and those artistic endeavors that contribute to the quality of life and economic stimulation of the community. A maximum of $12,000 can be received per award per fiscal year.

Funds will be awarded with the city of Coeur d’Alene’s new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. For program details and to apply, visit cdaid.org/communityartsprogram and fill out the online application, download the PDF version of the application or come to City Hall at 710 E. Mullan Ave. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. Applicants will be notified before October of their selection.

This Community Arts Support Program is possible for the first time after the City Council unanimously approved changes at its May 2 meeting to the city’s arts policy and the Percent for the Arts Program, both of which previously only allowed funding to be used for physical art.

The Percent for the Arts Program requires the city to set aside 1.33 percent of the total cost of eligible capital improvement projects — like new or remodeled city buildings and reconstructed or repaired streets — to be used for the Public Art Program. The city also receives significant public art funding from its urban renewal agency, ignitecda.

A total of $32,000 is included in the fiscal year 2017-2018 preliminary budget for the Community Arts Support Program. City Council will consider adoption of the budget in September, and awards are contingent on funding to be approved.

Artists who are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Sam Taylor, Arts Commission liaison, at (208) 769-2359, or [email protected].