YARMOUTH, N.S. — The uptake on the Town of Yarmouth’s Mural Grant Program has been slow to date, and a deadline of Jan. 29 doesn’t leave much time for businesses and/or artists to apply.
The program, which is managed by the Yarmouth Façade Society – a not-for-profit incorporated society of the town – offers an opportunity to receive grant monies towards mural projects.
All grants awarded require a matching dollar-for-dollar expenditure by the applicant, up to a maximum matching contribution of $5,000.
President Belle Hatfield says the mural project is a departure for the Façade Society.
“It’s an expansion in the society’s mandate, so we anticipate there will be an arc in this project. Once we get one or two underway, we anticipate more uptake.”
She adds that the committee would like to see at least two mural projects underway this year to get the program started and to test the process.
The committee has had discussions with several interested parties and Hatfield feels confident the goal will be met.
“We are content to be patient because we are a brand-new board that has taken on this new phase of its mandate.”
An “intriguing proposal” that may unite an education component, with the society’s goals to support the development of public art, is also being examined.
Hatfield says the façade society has a proven track record and that word is getting out to artists across Canada. Those relationships will continue to be developed.
“The first priority is to support the local economy, of course, and we are thrilled to have already connected several area artists with interested property owners," she says.
The society is available to work with any business or downtown property owner to facilitate the application process.
Applications and criteria can be accessed through this link.
The application form reads, in part: "Since part of the intent of this program is to add colour to the downtown and enhance the pedestrian
experience, priority will be given to proposals that celebrate our local history (historic seaport), region's culture or multiculturalism, ocean life, or that are playful, fun, and take into consideration the element of surprise and unexpectedness in an urban environment."
INTERESTED?
• For more info contact: Belle Hatfield, president Yarmouth Façade Society - Email - Ph: 902-749-7495
• For information on the grant program property owners can contact: Natalie Smith, Economic Development Officer, Town of Yarmouth Email or 902-742-1505 ext. 249
• If you are an interested artist and have questions, contact: David Gorman, Email or 902-740-4001
