West Ferry Street will soon see a splash of public art. Thanks goes to The Friends of the Buffalo Story, the group that pushed for the funding. Buffalo was awarded one of 66 “Our Town” grants that were allocated nationally by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). 275 applications were submitted to the NEA – $5,000,000 in funds are being disbursed. “The Ferry Street corridor project, by uncovering peoples’ stories and then realizing those stories in public art projects, will create a boulevard of brotherhood across Main Street that will inspire the whole community,” said Goldman, who heads up The Friends of the Buffalo Story. We are thrilled to be working with Mayor Brown on this most significant creative placemaking project.”
Buffalo is the recipient of one of the larger grants to be handed out, totaling $100,000. The goal of the initiative is to create a sense of place known as “The Ferry Street Corridor” – Public art, personal stories and public history: The power of creative placemaking and the transformation of neighborhoods.
“The NEA Our Town Grant is exactly the stimulus the City of Buffalo needs to bring this large-scale participatory multidisciplinary arts program to life on the Ferry Street Corridor,” said Mayor Brown. “This public art project adds a neighborhood based excitement to the ongoing momentum that’s underway in Buffalo, so vital to the revitalization that we’re experiencing in every corner of our community. It also provides a unique link between the east and west sides of Buffalo. We are proud that the NEA recognizes this potential and has directed resources from its signature grant program for this project.”
West Ferry recently played host to Hands Across Buffalo, and is considered one of the most important bridges between communities on the East Side and the West Side of the city (see here).
“The City of Buffalo demonstrates the best in creative community development and whose work will have a valuable impact on its community,” said NEA Chair Jane Chu. “Through Our Town funding, arts organizations continue to spark vitality that support neighborhoods and public spaces, enhancing a sense of place for residents and visitors alike.”
Lead image: National Endowment for the Arts