As the City of Sparks has been awarded $50,000 for the development of the downtown arts plan, this grant would fund the second phase of the project, which is the installation of site specific, commissioned art work.

Art Works is the National Endowment for the Arts’ principal grants program. Through project-based funding, Artworks supports public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art across the nation, the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life. Projects may be large or small, existing or new, and may take place in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. 

NEA's Artworks encourage applications for artistically excellent projects that:

• Celebrate America’s creativity and cultural heritage.
• Invite a dialogue that fosters a mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all persons and groups.
• Enrich our humanity by broadening our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as a society.

The Sparks Tourism and Revitalization Committee has a budget of $150,000 and a grant could be applied for to be matched up to $150,000 to increase the funds up to $300,000. These funds cannot be used for construction, but could be used for design fees, preparing space for an exhibit, installation or de-installation of art. If approved, estimated time to begin on plan, design and development would begin Spring 2020 or to coincide with end of Victorian Sqaure construction and/or streetscape rehab.

1.  Council may choose not to direct the City Manager to apply for the National Endowment for the Arts "Artworks" Grant Program. This alternative will result in 100% of the project cost being limited to the amount allocated up to the $150,000 from the Sparks Tourism and Revitalization Committee.

2.  Council may choose to direct City Manager to apply for the National Endowment for the Arts "Artworks" Grant Program.

I move to direct the City Manager to apply for a matching funds grant up to $150,000 to assist with development of commissioned artwork from the National Endowment for the Arts "Artworks" Grant Program.