In 2016, the Richmond Neighborhood Public Art mini-grant program (NPA) was eliminated. It was a devastating blow to the arts. The $65,000 a year program provided grants to community art programs, projects, and artists. It was widely popular as it supported projects outside of a traditional gallery setting and brought advocacy directly to the neighborhoods.
The Richmond Neighborhood Public Art mini-grant program provided art for the people by the people.
Well, the NPA is back! Citizens and officials fought for its return. This amazing and inspiring program has been funded for the 2017-18 budget year. From the call: “NPA Mini-Grants enable participants to learn basic artistic skills by working with professional artists. Teaching artistic skills to novices is a condition of the grant. Since 1997 the NPA program has engaged hundreds of community members in art projects all over Richmond. NPA is sponsored by the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC), and an art commissioner will work with each project manager.”
This year the grant allocations will be from $5,000-$10,000 each. Various art mediums are accepted including traditional, performance, and literary forms. The Richmond Arts and Culture Commission looks for projects that engage and inspire the community.
How can art transform your Richmond neighborhood?
A Mandatory Grant Application Workshop is scheduled for Saturday August 26th from 1-2:30 pm to explain the NPA program. The Arts & Culture Manager (Michele Seville) will moderate along with talks from commissioners. Prospective applicants can pitch ideas, ask questions, and receive feedback. The applicant workshop is a rare and valuable service for artists.
Richmond arts are back! The city is looking for your ideas and creativity. The NPA application deadline is September 22, 2017. For more information: call Michele Seville at (510) 620-6952 or email Michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us
Apply today and make a difference with art!
The links:
https://balisle.com/2016/06/26/richmondexit/
https://balisle.com/2016/07/10/rchmond/
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/104/Arts-Culture-Commission
Balisle Blog 
What a wonderful program this is to resurface. I can’t wait to see the amazing Art that comes up!