PLACEMAKING SPOTLIGHT  -  COA will develop and post several Spotlights on ACP recipients.  Select the icon below for a review of the ACP funded project.  Check back as more will be posted as they become available.

Previously in the Placemaking Spotlight:

The ACP program consists of the Arts Catalyze Placemaking Program Guidelines and category specific expanded guidelines which contain category specific information and requirements. 

• Connecticut Artists in Every Community (ACP-1) Expanded Guidelines
  • ACP-1 application deadline has passed.
• Arts Leadership (ACP-2 & ACP-3) Expanded Guidelines
  • ACP-2  application deadline has passed.
  • ACP-3 PLANNING application deadline has passed.
  • ACP-3 IMPLENTATION  application deadline has passed.
• Sustaining Relevance (ACP-4) Expanded Guidelines
  • ACP-4 SUSTAINING SUPPORT application deadline has passed. 

INQUIRIES
If you have questions please email:  acp.questions@ct.gov  Responses will be posted on the FAQ sheet regularly.

INFORMATION SESSIONS AND WEBINARS
The Connecticut Office of the Arts hosted six (6) informational sessions and are currently planning future webinar(s).  Each  session included an overview of the program by COA staff along with Q & A.
 
* NOTE:  Connecticut Network (CTN) taped the Hartford session.  You may view it on-line at http://ct-n.com/ondemand.asp?ID=8095 .

 Information Session Powerpoint Presentation (pdf)

COA will offer two Arts Catalyze Placemaking WEBINARS to support constituents who are interested in applying to the new Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) grant program. 

Webinar Powerpoint Full Presentation (pdf)

Webinar Powerpoint Outcomes section only (pdf)

GRANT DEVELOPMENT
The ideas behind the development of the Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) program are extensive but two ideas are worth noting to those who may be familiar with past programs administered through the state’s arts office. ACP  takes some of the best elements of previous grant programs and merges them into one overarching grant program with a focus on creative placemaking while wrapping the review and reporting process around a consistent evaluation system. ACP funding will be based on the newly developed outcome measures.

See the Guiding Principles for an overview of core statements that supported the work of COA staff throughout the development of the new program.

PAST TO PRESENT
An overview has been provided below for those who are familiar with past programs and wish to better understand how those programs have transitioned in relation to the new grant program.

Keep in mind that Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP)  is a new grant program and interested applicants should carefully review the full guidelines when they become available. All applications must also take into consideration the focus on creative placemaking and the evaluation requirements.

• ACP-1 retains similar functions to former Artist Presentation and the Creative Collaboration grants which provided an opportunity to hire artists from the COA Directory of Performing and Teaching Artists.  This category will expand to allow an entry point for non-directory artists and also allows Connecticut artists to apply for project-based funding.
• ACP-2 retains similar functions to the former Arts Project Support program which provided funding for ongoing arts-based programming.  This category will expand to allow entry for new initiatives while still supporting ongoing work that aligns with COA's creative placemaking goals.
• ACP-3 offers new opportunities for the planning and implementation of large-scale creative placemaking projects and activities.
• Sustaining Support retains similar functions similar to the former General Operating Support program with formula-based general operating support for arts organizations.
• Artists are factored in throughout the program as both partners and as lead applicants.

ARTISTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
Connecticut's artists will have an opportunity to apply for project funding in the Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) program.  In fact, all activities/projects require engagement with a Connecticut artist(s). Therefore, interested applicants should begin to consider how artists fit into their creative placemaking activities and/or projects.

Artists are not limited by any specific artistic discipline. Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) will involve a broad scope of artistic talent in planning, implementing and evaluating projects, such as:

• Visual artists (painting, photography, sculpture, etc.)
• Literary artists (fiction, poetry, playwriting, creative non-fiction, etc.)
• Choreographers and dancers
• Actors and performers
• Filmmakers and screenwriters
• Music composers, musicians and songwriters
• Teaching artists
• Public artists
• Folk, traditional and craft artists
• Hybrid / cross-discipline artists

GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSIGNED PROGRAM MANAGERS
COA staff will administer the Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) program as a team and are assigned to regions across the state. A list of full municipal coverage (and map) will be provided with the full guidelines.

John Cusano - Southwest and Eastern Connecticut
Tamara Dimitri - Central and North Central Connecticut
Bonnie Koba - South Central and Central Shoreline
Rhonda Olisky - Northwest Connecticut


NEW DIRECTION TIMELINE
COA engaged in an aggressive schedule over the last year following the release of the New Direction Statement.

January 2012 - New Direction Statement released
February 2012 -Conducted 5 state-wide forums
March 2012 - Conducted 17 working sessions around the state
April 2012 - Compiled collected information and began assessment
May & June 2012 - Program development and engaged evaluation support                         

CREATIVE PLACEMAKING RESOURCES
Information relevant to the Arts Catalyze Placemaking (ACP) program and creative placemaking in general will be added on an on-going basis.  COA has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Resources webpage along with a Glossary of Placemaking Terms.  Both documents will be updated on an on-going basis. 

OTHER COA PROGRAMS
COA will continue to manage the following in FY2013:

• Art in Public Spaces program
• Arts Endowment Fund
• City Canvas
• Culture Gallery at the Bradley International Airport
• Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools
• Mahaffey Fellowship
• Peer Advisor Network
• Directory of Performing and Teaching Artists
• Poet Laureate
• The Gallery at Constitution Plaza
• The State Troubadour