Staff Reports
Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the city of Columbus, in partnership with the Columbus Area Arts Council and Columbus Regional Health Healthy Communities, has been awarded a 2020 Asphalt Art Initiative grant for $25,000.
The Asphalt Art Initiative grant program is designed to fund visual art displays and installations on roadways, pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure in small- and medium-sized U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 to 500,000 people.
Goals of such art include improving street and pedestrian safety, revitalizing and beautifying underutilized public space, and promoting collaboration and civic engagement in local communities, according to grant organizers.
Out of 200 applications, Columbus was one of 16 cities selected.
This grant will be awarded to the arts council which will serve as the fiscal agent and project manager for Columbus’ Asphalt Art project. The project site will be near the intersection of 16th Street and Home Avenue; this location was selected by the city due to its recent identification in the Columbus Central Neighborhood Plan as an important commercial node for the surrounding neighborhood.
Work is tentatively slated to begin next year, according to organizers.
This project aims to improve pedestrian safety in this area by defining the visual identity of the area and adding pedestrian-scale elements to the street, such as crosswalks and curb extensions. The project timeline is being finalized and more details will be available in the coming weeks, including a request for proposals.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to engage an artist or artist team in the design process, while bringing new energy and creativity to a growing business district” said Kathryn Armstrong, the arts council’s executive director.
Emilie Pinkston, senior planner with the City of Columbus-Bartholomew County Planning Department added, “The city is thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the Columbus Area Arts Council and to improve walkability in this neighborhood in a creative and visually-appealing way.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in more than 570 cities and over 160 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the arts, education, environment, government innovation and public health.
Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2019, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.3 billion.
