FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2023

Mayor Noble Announces Sixth Round of ARPA Community Events Grant Funding

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce the next round of APRA Community Events Grant Program awards for a total of $25,000 across five community groups.

The sixth round of ARPA Community Events Grant program funding was awarded to:

O+ ($5,000) for the O+ Block Party on July 14;

Dawn Jordan via fiscal sponsor CCE ($5,000) for Van Buren St.’s Spreading the Love Block Party on July 22;

Midtown Business Alliance ($5,000) for the MBA Community Gathering on August 12;

ArtPort Kingston ($5,000) for the ArtStream Community Public Art Celebration on August 19; and

Village Halloween Parade ($5,000) for the Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby on August 19.

Laura Crimmins, Production Director of the O+ Festival said, “The ARPA Community Events grants have been instrumental for us to produce a summer series of public block parties in Kingston to connect our community through art, music and access to health and wellness.”

Dawn Jordan, Van Buren Block Party organizer said, “I’m extremely grateful that this ARPA grant was available. It made it easier to spread the love that I and my family received when I relocated to Kingston in 1994. Doing this event every year reminds me of the community I had as a child. When the kids and adults say how much fun they had and can’t wait till next year, it makes me happy. It's all about being united and the community coming together as one.”

Miles Crettien, Midtown Business Alliance Board President said, “The MBA is thrilled and appreciative to receive this round of ARPA funding to be able to showcase the talent of Midtown artists and businesses through its Midtown Summer Celebration, planned for Saturday August 12 at 16 Cedar Street in Kingston. This Block Party is in collaboration with Midtown Arts District and DRAW in our ongoing partnership to support and celebrate the small businesses, including many artists, fueling a renaissance in our city and laying the foundation for the future of Kingston’s economy.”

Laurie De Chiara, Director of ArtPort said, “Thank you to Mayor Noble and the City of Kingston for supporting our third annual ArtStream Community Public Art Celebration. ArtStream began as a platform for local artists to safely show work and express themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re thrilled to see the program grow into an annual celebration of public art and creative community with more than 25 new installations along the beautiful Kingston Point Rail Trail and the Rondout Waterfront. We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, August 19 for interactive play with the art, workshops by exhibiting artists, performances, and plenty of fun! This support from the City of Kingston means the world.”

Nancy Donskoj, event organizer of the Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby said, “For the past 28 years, the City of Kingston has offered its support of the Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby which has brought thousands of participants and spectators alike from far and wide. We are grateful for their continued support with this award, which allows us to showcase our talented creative community of all ages as they roll their gravity powered creations down our lower Broadway hill.”

The 2023 Community Events Grant Program is made possible with Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The City has allocated $375,000 to support local events occurring in 2023 as part of city-wide pandemic recovery efforts.

Nonprofit groups and businesses located within City limits are eligible to apply for up to five events per year at up to $5,000 per event, for a total of up to $25,000 per organization. Events must be free and open to the public. Events must take place in 2023, and must have either previously taken place prior to 2020, or if new, not duplicate pre-existing events and focus primarily on youth and families as the target audience. Preference will be shown to applications for events that focus primarily on youth and families as well as those that draw audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Funding is available for events taking place through the end of December 2023. Grant applications will be accepted through Friday, November 1, 2023. The last eligible event date is December 31, 2023.

More information, a list of eligible expenses, and the application can be found at: www.engagekingston.com/arpa-community-events-grant-program.