The Downtown New West BIA is continuing its efforts to activate public spaces in the neighbourhood.
In an effort to inspire community members to activate local public spaces, the organization has launched its second annual place-making grant program. With the city’s support, it is expanding and will support at least five projects this year.
The program aims to get community members to come up with creative ways to activate public spaces, get people outside, foster social connections, build community by encouraging people to connect with each other in public spaces and make the Downtown more fun and inclusive. It’s also a chance to test new ideas and help identify/remove barriers that discourage activation of public spaces.
“As our population grows and many more people are living in condos as opposed to single family homes, public spaces become more and more important,” said Kendra Johnston, executive director of the Downtown New West BIA. “Activating these public spaces helps to attract people to them, building community and encouraging people to connect with one another.”
Individuals, businesses and not-for-profits are invited to submit proposals for unique and innovative activations in public spaces in Downtown New West. Applications are being accepted until March. 1.
“We could not be more proud of the results of last year’s program and the incredible outcomes of the three winning submissions,” Johnston said. “The Downtown New West BIA hopes to build on that success by supporting more projects in 2020 and to foster even more activations in our public spaces that are safe, welcoming and inclusive to all.”
In 2019, three projects received funding as part of the initiative: Vera Kobalia executed several kids sidewalk art installations, featuring traditional games like hopscotch and Twister, along Front Street, on the overpass to the riverfront and at River Market; Kobalia also created Metro Vancouver’s first “augmented reality” mural on the wall of the Union Gospel Mission’s building on McKenzie Street; and local resident Peter Leblanc brought several partners together to produce a free, interactive circus arts festival at Westminster Pier Park, which was attended by 1,000 people.
This year, the Downtown BIA is planning to fund five projects for up to $3,500 each, with money going toward the cost of producing the activation. This could include materials, artist fees, insurance, marketing, equipment rental, and supplies.
In addition to the grant, the BIA will also provide promotional support and guidance in acquiring necessary permits with the City of New Westminster.
Activations could include dance, music, art, technology – or something totally different. They must be safe, welcoming and inclusive to everyone, must take place in public spaces within Downtown New West and must be done before Dec. 15.
According to the BIA, bonus points will go to proposals that use a previously underutilized public space and/or support a change in perception about a public space, or bring together two or more individuals, businesses or not-for-profits on an activation.
“Downtown New West is now home to Metro Vancouver’s first augmented reality mural,” Johnston said. “‘You are HOME’ is a truly innovative piece that would not have come to be if not for this grant program. This project in particular embodies the spirit of our intent, bringing together many partners to activate a previously unused public space.”
Details and applications are found at www.downtownnewwest.ca/Public-Space-Activation-program.
