Have a creative idea for your neighborhood? You could win $5,000 to make it happen
Want to start a drum circle? Create a community wall poem? Host a dance class? Concoct a cultural event no one has seen before? Apply for the Creative Activator Fellowship.
Applications are due Friday, Nov. 3. Accepted fellows will be unleashed with their creative visions to engage residents in art, science, history or heritage experiences at neighborhood spaces like libraries and parks.
Applicants to the Culture Blocks Creative Activator Fellowship program must have an established practice in a creative discipline and live within one of seven Culture Blocks: Northwest, North End/Sugar Creek/Hidden Valley, East, West, Southwest, Mallard/University/Prosperity, or Pineville.
Launched in 2015, the Culture Blocks community partnership with the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has provided easily accessible cultural programming in seven areas around the city.
ASC will award up to two $5,000 fellowships in each Culture Block.
Then the creative work begins. Fellowship recipients will put their funds to use in 2018.
Want to get a taste of Culture Block events out in the community before then? In the North End Block, people can catch a cultural dance program presented by Charlotte Ballet every Wednesday through May 2, 2018 at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center (943 W. Sugar Creek Road). The drop-in class is free and open to all ages.
In the East Block, the Color of Jazz Music Series continues Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at Albemarle Road Recreation Center (5027 Idlewild Road North). Absorb the live performance by Jemini June, plus refreshments.
Read about more upcoming events here.
Ready to begin?
Get more details and apply for a Creative Activator Fellowship here. Deadline to apply is Nov. 3.
Sign up for the Arts & Science Council Mixer and Information Session for Creative Individuals from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Camp North End here. This free program gives creative professionals a shot at connecting with peers and ASC staff to learn about opportunities. Snacks and cocktails included. Register by Oct. 13. Camp North End, 1776 Statesville Road.
Photos: Jon Strayhorn/ASC
This story was originally published October 2, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Have a creative idea for your neighborhood? You could win $5,000 to make it happen."