Danville launches grant program to bring art downtown

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Danville is launching “Arts in Alleys,” a matching grant program that collaborates with property owners to bring inspiring murals, sculptures, light displays and more to downtown alleyways.

The program is funded through grant funds and private donations, as well as in partnership with the Arts in Alleys Program (AIAP) Committee: Danville Area Visitor’s Bureau, Downtown Danville Inc., Vermilion Advantage and the Danville Public Library Foundation. The City’s goal is to fill downtown Danville with enjoyable art that can also attract visitors and make alleys safer for pedestrians.

The committee can grant up to $10,000 per project. Any alley-facing property owner in downtown Danville is eligible to apply online .

City officials said other requirements include:

• Property owner must pay 50% of the total cost of the project.
  • Officials with the AIAP will pay the remaining 50% upon project completion.
• Artists must use materials suitable for exposure to the elements.
• Final design/art concept must be approved by the AIAP Committee before the project begins.
• Diversity must be reflected in art projects and/or selection of artists.
• Art installation must fit the theme: “Possibilities in Danville.”

“Possibilities in Danville are endless, from relaxing on the lake to pursuing higher education, to living a meaningful life, to exploring the arts or getting lost in green spaces. We want these murals to reflect the culture of our city, celebrating our town’s opportunities and creativity, while intersecting the arts with many other industries, services, and sectors represented in Danville,” said Rheanna Ollis, Danville’s Community Relations Administrator.

Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Locations have been selected by AIAP officials that will most affect essential, local businesses and services in the area:

For more information, visit the AIAP website , reach out to Rheanna Ollis by email at rollis@cityofdanville.org , or contact Annie Monyok, Executive Director of Downtown Danville Inc., at annie@monyokleadership.co .

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