artsparkdrawingJamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Arts Center has been announced as a recipient of a 2015 ArtPlace America Grant to assist in their Arts Park project.

On a recent Wayne Byers Show on CSi cable 2, Arts Center, Director, Cyndi Wish said a total of $240,000 will be granted to the Arts Center for their future plans from The ArtPlace America National Grants Program.

According to ArtPlace America, the downtown business corridor of Jamestown is adjusting to the economic impact of new big box stores. In an effort to draw interest and foot traffic to the downtown area, the Arts Park will provide an area for outdoor performance and a public art plaza near the downtown art center.

She pointed out that officials visited Jamestown in January this year.

After nearly 1,300 applications were singled down to 90, researches visited the 90 finalist across the U.S. to determine which projects should receive grant money. 38 total grants were issued this year across the nation. The Arts Center was the only arts program funded in North Dakota, this time.

Since 2011, the National Grants Program has invested in 189 projects across 122 communities of all sizes in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

Donations from the public toward the project continue to be welcomed.

Artist-designers around the state and country are  invited to submit ideas through August 17, 2015.  The Arts Center Board will screen the ideas, and invite three finalists to visit to get a better understanding of the community’s vision for the park and then select one full proposal from the finalists.

The Arts Center’s ideas for the space include outdoor, interactive theater productions, inflatable screens for movies and projection art on the walls surrounding the park.   It might be possible to install a removable sculptured fire pit to enhance evening events.

Valley City State University students are being asked to design and build bike racks. The park landscaping will slope slightly toward a multipurpose gathering space and performance area.

She added landscaping is expected to be completed by this fall. Next year the artistic aspect is expected to begin.

Mosaic benches may become a part of the park, as the Jamestown Site Advisory Committee has heard a request for 20 of the benches.

Artists will also create ongoing short-term art displays and exhibits.

More information from The Arts Center