Arts Services Initiative of Western New York (ASI), on behalf of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an allotment of funding for parties interested in conducting programming and events along the Buffalo River.
The total sum of $51,500 will be dispersed to a number of qualified parties intending on coordinating activities at river parcels that include Buffalo River Fest Park, Silo City grain elevators and compound, Mutual Riverfront Park, Father Conway Park, and the Buffalo River itself. The funding assistance is earmarked for programming occuring between April 1 and November 1, 2015.
Signature projects can apply for sums that range from $4,000 to $8,500, while smaller event funding allotments are either $500 or $1,000. The latter grants can also benefit performers that are interested in being a part of the larger projects.
“Western New Yorkers’ pride in their waterfront continues to grow, thanks to Governor Cuomo’s commitment to our region and, in part, due to the efforts of Arts Services Initiative of Western New York and its programming along the Buffalo River,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia. “As ASI releases a new RFP for signature events and community programs that will enliven the area, which serves as a key connector between downtown Buffalo and the Outer Harbor, I encourage creative applicants that will add to the uniqueness of the corridor and draw additional people to our waterfront.”
“Now in its fourth grant cycle, Arts Services Initiative is proud of the roster of innovative programs that have been developed along the Buffalo River corridor,” Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. “These grants have already resulted in nationally recognized theater and art, last year’s newly added blues festival, community programming, and a mural that captures the history and future of the Old First Ward; we can’t wait to see what 2015’s applications bring.”
*Applications are due by noon on February 11, 2015 and are open to not for profit and other organizations and individuals. An information session will take place at noon on January 21 at 95 Perry St., 5th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203. Details on the information session, the RFP and application are available now at www.asiwny.org.
Photo: Grain Dances, Steel Floats 2014 – A perfect example of the type of performance that benefits from grant funding of this type.