Downtown Program Fund
Stay tuned for information about the 2021 application process.
What is the Downtown Program Fund?
Is there an event or artistic installation you have been wanting to present downtown?
The Downtown Program Fund may be for you! The City of Eugene Cultural Services Downtown Program Fund partners with YOU to transform downtown outdoor public spaces into thriving community 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 public 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.
Why does the program exist?
To Support a Thriving Downtown – Downtown Eugene has great potential to be the civic, commercial and social heart of the city. Activation of public spaces through programming is a key strategy to bring people and positive energy to the downtown core. Cultural Services seeks to expand the breadth and quality of downtown activation by supporting additional programming.
To Encourage Artistic Innovation – We invite you to use this opportunity to explore new possibilities, push artistic boundaries and develop your community legacy. Our moment in history is particularly unique as we prepare for Eugene to become a world stage during the 2021 IAAF Track and Field Championships.
To Strengthen the Creative Community – Cultural Services strives to co-create a thriving arts and culture ecosystem with creative partners like you. Together, we can continue to elevate our collective capacity to offer our community exceptional artistic experiences.
Applications are closed for 2020.
Requirements:
- The Downtown Program Fund is open to all organizations and individuals headquartered/physically residing within Lane County.
- Proposed programming must take place between April 1 and October 31, 2020.
- Programs must take place in an outdoor public space in Eugene’s downtown core, including but not limited to the Park Blocks, Kesey Square, the Library Plaza, public alleyways and street corners.
- Programs must be free and accessible to the public.
- 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 $24.43 per hour.
- At least 50% of your total match amount:
- Programs must be flexible to work around already-scheduled programming. Award recipients will work with City staff to confirm scheduling.
- 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.
- Applicants may submit proposals for as many as two programs, in which case a complete and separate proposal for each project is required.
Preferences:
- A collaboration between multiple individuals or organizations.
- Occurring in the late afternoon or evening (4-10 p.m.)
- Occurring in April, May or October.
- Occurring more than once during the season (i.e. as a series).
- Minority- and/or women-led projects.
Applications are closed for 2020.
Submission Process
- Read the tabs on eligibility, timeline and 2019 Fund Recipients Submission Guidelines and Event Information to learn more about the Downtown Program Fund.
- Prepare before filling out your application by reviewing the list of questions Opens a New Window. .
- Fill out the Downtown Program Fund Application Opens a New Window. . We are taking applications now. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on February 1, 2020 to be considered for summer. You may save your progress and return at a later date by making an account.
- Your application will be scored based on this selection criteria Opens a New Window. .
Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2020 to be considered for the 2020 season. Awards will be announced on March 1, 2020. Programming must occur between April 1 and October 31, 2020.
2019 Downtown Program Fund Recipients
Below is a list of all our 2019 recipients. Brief program descriptions are below. You can also take a closer look at their application information.
ArtCity Eugene
Studio Without Walls
A EuroEugene-style environment with music, dance, poetry, and a diverse range of artmaking. Meet local artists. Food/beverage vendors on site. All ages welcome.
ArtCity Eugene
BEAM
A showcase of art that incorporates light. An outdoor, pop-up gallery that is truly illuminating. Meet local artists. Food/beverage vendors on site. All ages welcome.
Danceability International
Street Parade: Urban Intervention
The street parade is a signature event produced as part of DanceAbility workshops and trainings worldwide. “Informances” or “Urban Interventions” are meant to bring mixed-abilities out in the open, and to make a statement about accessibility by delivering a performance directly to the public, with no venue wall or ticket booth to separate those who can come and those who cannot.
Denbaya Drum and Dance: African Dance and Drumming in the Streets
Drum and Dance with Denbaya
Drummer & dancer, Fodé Sylla of Guinea, West Africa, brings his high energy, giant smile and extraordinary talents to the streets of Eugene with Denbaya Drum & Dance troupe. Together they will demonstrate West African rhythm and dance, inviting community members to participate in learning simple patterns together and playing stand-up bucket drums in unison.
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.
Lane Arts Council
First Friday ArtWalk
First Friday ArtWalk is the monthly celebration of downtown Eugene’s creative and artistic excellence.
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.
STOP DROP & YOGA
Yoga For Every Body
Hip Hop Yoga - Solstice Street Fair
Family Day Yoga at the Farmers Market
YOGA-OKE!: Sing-a-long Yoga & Karaoke
TrackTown Swing
Track Town Throwdown: Live Music Swing Dance
Presented by TrackTown Swing with support from the Downtown Program Fund
Outdoor Swing dance with live music and intro lesson followed by swing dance performance - featuring local and regional dancers.
Contact Us
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Community Engagement Manager
Sarah-Kate Sharkey
Ph: 541-682-6342