Our Students in Action
Our Students Lead successful efforts in grant funding!November 2021 |
During the summer, after having received congressional approval and awarding of ARPA funds, the National Endowment for the Arts sent out a far-reaching RFP (request for proposal) to arts agencies across the 50 states, in the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The $20 million pool of funds were available for several uses including for sub-granting directly for arts organizations. This was an unusual step as normally, the NEA funds state agencies for sub-granting to local arts agencies. However, for this funding, local agencies could apply directly for regranting to their constituent arts organizations.
This open funding had "no match" requirement (often a major deterrent for local agencies) and as a result, was massively over-subscribed. There were literally thousands of proposals! Only 66 local agencies were awarded funding. Agencies led by NJIT Certificate in Creative Placemaking graduates were among those 66! Michelle Isabelle-Stark is the director of Arlington (VA) Cultural Affairs, and Kaitlin Bundy (Manager), and Natalie Zaman (Program Coordinator) lead the Somerset County (NJ) Cultural and Heritage Commission. Each agency received $150,000 for sub-granting to their area arts and cultural organizations! With great pride, we applaud the exceptional and successful leadership efforts of our students as they continue to bolster their constituent arts organizations through the pandemic!
For information on previous and upcoming NEA grants, click here
Imagine! Corning
On Labor Day weekend, 2021, NJIT Certificate in Creative Placemaking graduate, Meghan O’Toole, realized the community-engaged field practicum that she had begun to develop during our course. Originally, she had intended to create a small demonstration project, but through her inspired efforts and leadership, she developed a 4-day demonstration arts festival. The purpose of her Imagine! Festival was to demonstrate how an underutilized civic plaza skatepark could become an Arts Park. This video highlights just a few of the myriad artistic expressions shared over the four days.
See the press announcement of the event: https://rb.gy/dt8qcs http://https://rb.gy/dt8qcs See the full event schedule: https://rb.gy/rizaxe See more about "The Civic Social" dance development-Mark Schmidt and Remi Harris: https://www.remitharris.com/
Tamara Contreras- Forward Franklin
NJIT Certificate in Creative Placemaking graduate, Tamara Contreras shares updates on the field practicum she began as part of the course. Tamara created this video detailing her field practicum planning and efforts conducted during and following NJIT's Certificate in Creative Placemaking course of study. Enjoy learning about "Forward Franklin";
Today, Tamara continues her work as community organizer for “Forward Franklin” where her team is planning a creative placemaking initiative for the Franklin Pond. Shortly after graduation, a new position was created for her as ‘Community Health Worker’ at the Newton Hospital for the Atlantic Health Systems. In Dec. 21, Tamara was recruited by the Center for Prevention and Counseling to become their Wallkill Valley Coalition Coordinator. This new position gives Tamara the opportunity to create programs and provide training for 6-12 graders in 5 regional school systems as well as collaborate across numerous sectors to create and implement solutions addressing substance abuse.
