Mar 7

Mar 7 Planning a new downtown event? The RDA may help pay for it.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance wants to support new arts-focused events in the downtown area, and is willing to put forth the funds to do so.

The organization announced changes to its Downtown Cultural Initiative (DCI) grants on March 4. The grants were implemented in 2013 to spur first-time arts events within the 44-block RDA boundary area.

DCI grants, now referred to as the “stART-up” fund program, come with a number of restrictions. Grants of up to $3,000 are now limited to grassroots artists – organizations and institutions are no longer eligible.

Evaluation for funds will take place during set time periods; previously, DCI grants were awarded on a rolling basis. The current entry period closes on March 31 and decisions will be made by April 30.

The RDA will hold an informational workshop on the new grant structure on March 16 from noon – 1 p.m. at the People’s Food Co-op. The organization's total budget for stART-up grants in 2016 is $10,000.