by Robyn Hendrix, Friendly Streets Initiative Artist Organizer
Communities along the Green Line have gone through immense amounts of flux and change over the past few years. As someone watching and participating as an Irrigate artist and resident, it still seems remarkably surreal that the light rail is finally running. It’s clear though that the work to strengthen our Saint Paul communities and improve transportation access, equity, affordable housing and more, is never finished. Here’s a rundown of some of the opportunities, events and initiatives going on this summer and fall that we’re excited about!
Opportunities
The Knight Foundation has pledged $1.5 million in the next three years for an ideas challenge contest similar to the larger Knight Arts Challenge which finished its first round of applications in the spring. The main differences? These ideas can but don’t have to be about the arts, must benefit one of the neighborhoods along the Green Line, and don’t require the winners to find matching funds for their projects. Check out the Green Line Challenge website where you can sign up for the email list, read the application FAQ’s, and start the application process. Apps are due July 24th and are very short and simple; an easy and clear description of your project idea is the main thing you need. Anyone can apply! (We think this is an excellent way for neighbors and community groups to inact ideas that came up during Friendly Streets events, for example!)
There are two Q&A sessions left:
July 8th
Rondo Library
461 North Dale Street
6:00pm to 7:30pm
July 10th
Bedlam Lowertown
213 East Fourth Street
5:00pm to 6:30pm
The Friendly Streets Initiative Call for Artists
We have a call for art posted too!
We’re looking for artists and artist teams interested in enacting creative,
participatory art activities and performances at our events this year.
View the arts page for full details and contact me with any questions!
Neighborhood Events
My fellow Artist Organizer Oskar Ly is working hard on putting together a spectacular program
with the Asian Economic Development Association this summer.
Night Market dates are July 5, July 26, August 16, and September 6, 2014.
This project from Public Art Saint Paul by Seitu Jones aims to lower barriers to making healthy food choices.
On September 14, 2014, 2,000 people will gather at a ½ mile long table in the middle of Saint Paul’s Victoria Street
for a civic dinner table conversation about Food Access, Food Justice, and Healthy Eating. Details here.