Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the intent to apply for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Works Creativity Connects Grant.  (Louie Galaviz, Parks & Recreation Director)

The Parks & Recreation Department would like to apply for a $30,000.00 NEA grant which would allow us to bring more cultural and artistic projects into our community. For funding purposes, Campesinos Sin Fronteras have committed to providing  matches as an in-kind donation of services or resources, including staff time and radio advertising. NEA grants are very competitive, only about 7% of applicants receive the funding.

Another very important part for this project to be successful, in the event of getting the grant is workshops. Workshops are a very important component to this project. Three possibilities for workshops are to use existing facilities and instructors from the Yuma Art Center and the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center to provide Border Voices workshops, either in addition to the usual offerings or by focusing on the usual classes on a Border theme. Also, contract with local artists to offer workshops using their studios and own facilities. And last but not least, hire local artists to put on classes/workshops in rented facilities.

Within this project, we would like to have a mural painted. We have reached out to Lia Littlewood who is very interested in doing a mural and can do something that would allow participation by event attendees. Also, an arrangement can be done with Gadsden School District in which a group of students can help paint the mural or assist in any other way.