Arts Initiatives and At-Risk Youth Supported
Through County’s American Rescue Plan Grants
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced six grants to lift at-risk youth and support the community’s economic recovery. Four of the funded programs target the hard-hit performing and visual arts industry through the Frederick Arts Council, while two others assist at-risk youth through the nonprofit I Believe in Me. All six programs are funded with grants through a portion of Frederick County’s $50.4 million American Rescue Plan Act allocation.
“Public art increases tourism and drives economic growth in our main streets and across Frederick County,” Executive Gardner said, “and I Believe in Me is creating generational change by lifting up our youth. These one-time funds help our community to recover from unprecedented economic impacts, and allow us to rise even higher as we move forward.”
Frederick Arts Council grants:
- Local artists - $200,000 will be distributed in the form of smaller grants to as many as 200 member artists who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mural projects – Artists will be commissioned to create 15 mural projects in underserved areas that currently lack significant public art. The program includes skills training for emerging young artists. Total grant: $90,000.
- Public art installations – Seven installations will be commissioned, at a total cost of $75,000. The art displays will draw tourists to business districts across the county, helping to spur spending at local restaurants, shops, and hotels.
- Sky Stage– Expanded programming at the open-air venue will generate up to 210 new gigs for artists. The $135,000 grant will be distributed over the course of three years.
Grants to I Believe in Me:
- Passenger van – A new 15-passenger van will be purchased with the $60,000 grant to transport youth to programming and events.
- Activity center library – Books, games, shelves, and furniture will be purchased for a new activity center that the organization is creating. Total grant: $20,000.
Previously approved projects have been reported publicly during the County Executive’s public information briefings and in presentations to the County Council. Additional applications for ARPA funds are being considered by a Frederick County Government review committee to ensure proposals meet strict federal guidelines. Additional information on Frederick County’s ARPA allocation can be found online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ARPA.
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