The long-time-coming city awards for local arts projects were finally distributed in June, resulting in 40% of the money going to a single public arts project along Foss Creek Parkway. Much smaller awards went to a variety of proposals designed to underwrite community arts and culture activities and visions.
It goes back to August 2021, when the City of Healdsburg adopted an Arts & Culture plan promising $50,000 to begin underwriting local arts projects.
The money was allocated in the FY 2022-23 budget, but it wasn’t until last month that the City Council finally took action to distribute the funds.
A solicitation for grants was distributed on May 20 for the first round of proposals, in both English and Spanish. According to Garrett Perdigao, recreation supervisor for the city, 27 proposals were received. They were evaluated by the members of the Creative Leadership team, Healdsburg High and the Parks and Recreation Commission’s arts subcommittee.
Just a month ago, the City Council finally adopted a resolution at the June 20 City Council meeting to approve grant funding for the just-ending fiscal year, FY 2022-23.
Awards were allocated based on artistic merit, community impact, feasibility and alignment with the Arts and Culture Master Plan.
The approved projects are:
Adopt–A–Stop: Replacing the existing stop sign pole at the corner of Center and Matheson streets with a sculptural version. While the proposed sign location is not feasible due to safety and traffic regulations, city staff will work with the applicant to find an appropriate location in town to support the project. (Grant amount $2,500)
The 222 – Indigenous Voices: Funding four literary events at The 222 highlighting culture and traditions of Indigenous communities in Northern California. ($5,000)
Prune Box Derby: Proposal to fund an immersive art event to bring back a joyful legacy and invest in Healdsburg families and community. Inspiration for this immersive art event is based on the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art “Artist’s Derby,” which took place last year at the infamously steep McLaren Park. ($5,000)
Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation: Proposal to fund a collaboration with the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation and internationally renowned sculptor Ned Kahn to expand placement of public art along an important section of the Foss Creek Pathway in Healdsburg. ($20,000)
Foss Creek Pathway Fence Beautification: Proposal to fund a woven yarn art on a section of Foss Creek Pathway fencing that would be created by several different groups, over six sessions from July to December of 2023. ($2,500)
Ballet Folklorico: Proposal to fund Ballet Folklorico Yolotl to continue the 37-year history of performing Mexican ballet in Healdsburg and neighboring communities. The project is a collaboration between Ballet Yolotl; Yolanda Giron, its founder and director based in Healdsburg; and Latinos Unidos del Condado de Sonoma, a community based non-profit organization founded in 1966. ($5,000)
Healdsburg Museum Lighting Project: Proposal to fund illumination of the front of the Healdsburg Museum with an array of programmable LED lights creating energy and excitement after dark, along with installation of banners on the exterior of the museum to complement the nighttime experience. ($5,000)
Healdsburg Center for the Arts – Art After Dark: Proposal to fund Art After Dark, a free, community arts event that takes place during the summer months with the mission of providing fun, creative evenings for residents and visitors, and increasing opportunities for local artists. ($2,500)
