Downtown Program Fund
Downtown Program Fund 2022
After a year of shutdowns and pivots to programs in 2020, and a fluctuating year of micro-events, postponements, and cancellations in 2021, we have seen more creative responses to programming and producing than ever before, and we are simply amazed by this community.
This year, as we emerge from two years of change and uncertainty, we believe that community-driven programming is needed now more than ever. Because of this, we hope to fund projects that work with the theme of identity and belonging, and that nurture a sense of pride and welcoming in our community and culture here in downtown Eugene. Is there an event or artistic installation you would like to present downtown?
The City of Eugene Cultural Services Downtown Program Fund offers you an opportunity to transform downtown outdoor spaces into arts and culture destinations. Funding of up to $5,000 per project will be awarded to organizations or individuals who wish to produce their own quality programming in publicly accessible outdoor spaces in Eugene’s downtown core. Funding can support any artistic or cultural discipline, including visual, dance, music, theatre, film/video/media and multidisciplinary fields.
The 2022 Downtown Program Fund seeks to:
- Draw people and positive energy to the downtown core through activation of outdoor spaces with arts and culture events or installations
- Help artists and arts organizations to survive and thrive through the impacts of the pandemic
- Support long-term recovery efforts by engaging the community in support for arts & culture
- Foster a sense of belonging and safety for all community members. In particular historically marginalized and underrepresented communities such as Eugene’s BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, low-income communities, people experiencing disabilities, individuals who are unhoused, youth and seniors.
In addition to funding, awardees of the Downtown Program Fund will receive an initial consultation with the City’s Cultural Services staff, publicity through Cultural Services marketing, and access to available City equipment including tables, chairs and canopies.
Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. February 5
Eligibility Requirements
- The Downtown Program Fund is open to all organizations and individuals headquartered/physically residing within Lane County.
- Organizations or artists with outstanding Downtown Program Fund grants are not eligible to apply until their programs have been completed.
- Proposed programming must take place between April 1 and October 31, 2022.
- Programs must take place in an outdoor, publicly accessible space in Eugene’s downtown core.
- Programs should be made as accessible as possible for community members. If the event is not free to attend, a portion of tickets must be offered for free or on a sliding scale.
- Applicants must provide a 1:1 cash, in-kind and/or volunteer time match for the project that equals the amount of your Downtown Program Fund award (i.e. if the City awards you $1,000, you must also contribute at least $1,000 toward your project costs). This can be done through a combination of the following:
- At least 50% of your total match amount:
- Cash: Either already secured or additional funds you anticipate raising through sponsorships or other fundraising.
- 50% or less of your total match amount:
- In-Kind: This includes donated materials and supplies, valued at full retail or rental cost.
- Volunteer time: Value each hour of volunteer time given to the project at the nationally-established rate of $28.54 per hour.
- At least 50% of your total match amount:
- Applicants may submit proposals for as many as two programs, in which case a complete and separate proposal for each project is required.
- Applicants must include the City of Eugene Cultural Services logo on all visual marketing materials for the program, and/or the written name in program press releases or other written information.
- Upon completion of the program, applicants must complete a brief report and provide the City with 3-5 high-quality, copyright-free digital photographs of the program for use in future City promotions.
Application Process
- Read the tabs on eligibility, timeline, selection criteria and past fund recipients to learn more about the Downtown Program Fund.
- Prepare before filling out your application by reviewing the list of questions (PDF).
- Fill out the Downtown Program Fund Application. We are taking applications now. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on February 5, 2022 to be considered. You may save your progress and return at a later date by making an account.
Timeline
Applications must be submitted by February 5, 2022 to be considered for the 2022 season. Awards will be announced on February 25, 2022. Programming must occur between April 1 and October 31, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Programming Quality:
- To what extent will programming draw people to downtown spaces and offer a high-quality experience?
- Does the proposed programming display excellence in planning, with sufficient detail and considerations of COVID-19 related restrictions?
- Does the programming allow for flexibility/scaling? I.e. will this project easily respond to last minute changes due to pandemic, wildfire smoke, and/or weather?
Applicant Capacity:
- Does the applicant demonstrate the capacity to produce the proposed programming?
- Does the applicant have past experience administering similar programming?
Long-Term Impacts:
- Does the programming have the potential to contribute to downtown’s long-term recovery by increasing potential for future positive activations?
- Does the programming have the potential to contribute to increased stability and long-term success for the applicant?
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity:
- If applicable, does your organization represent historically marginalized or underrepresented communities? Does your project provide access, opportunities and/or resources to this/these communities? How do you recruit and market to this/these communities?
Past Downtown Program Fund Recipients
Below are examples of past fund recipients with brief program descriptions. You can also take a closer look at their application information (PDF).
ArtCity Eugene
BEAM
A signature pop-up art event in Downtown, Eugene. Experience the magic as the Park Blocks transform into an active and illuminated gallery of art that incorporates light. Art forms include sculpture, digital art, music, painting, dance, animation, and more!
AHFEMME
Let Down Your Fears: Rapunzel Retold
An interactive, live storytelling extravaganza. This multidisciplinary performance utilizes an imprisoned Rapunzel as a metaphor for the challenging experience of quarantine. By retelling this story, AHFEMME provides resources for community revival.
DanceAbility International
Satellite Project for Inclusion
Inclusive programming during National Dance Week includes workshops, a public panel discussion on inclusion, a Satellite Support Team and a mixed abilities dance performance.
EugeneTech
KING-PONG
Local artists, musicians, game developers, and makers welcome the community a larger than life-sized electronic PONG tournament using GIANT controllers, projected on a HUGE, 20-foot screen. Great fun for the whole family with costumes and activities.
Integrated Arts (Harmonic Laboratory)
Culture Caravan
Culture Caravan is a mobile media kiosk that turns virtual reality inside out to deliver rich and immersive experiences to those with little or no access to live performance, media arts, and dance.
Oregon Supported Living Program
Stray Cast Improv
Come get together for Improv games, music and laughter. A great way to meet new friends. People of all abilities welcome. No talent required!
Positive Community Kitchen
Nourish: Food for Life
This summer pick up some fresh recipes and cooking tips by attending these monthly FREE cooking demos designed to inspire and to simplify preparing healing meals in your home.
SLUG Queen Santa Frida Babosita
Meet Me in the Zocalo
A celebration of Latinx culture in the Park Blocks based on the active city centers (zocalos) of Mexico, featuring local bands, dancing, inclusive community art projects and more.
Tropical Contemporary
Visible Spectrum
A series of three multi-media events geared toward community interaction. Art, performance and workshops will focus on the reverence of diverse identities in order to disseminate art experiences, provide entertainment and create conversation.
Contact Us
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Community Programs Manager
Ph: 541-682-6347
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Downtown Programs Assistant