WESTFIELD- The City of Westfield, through the Department of Community Development, is soliciting proposals from citizen producers and performers for a downtown series of events for the coming fall. The programs, which will be held in The Side Yard at Mina’s at 53 Elm Street, are funded by a $5,000 grant from the TDI Places program at MassDevelopment.
The City is looking to award four applicants with grants of up to $1,000 to produce a small-scale community event at the food truck lot next to the Tobacco Barn and Mina’s Wine & Spirits.
“The TDI Places grant was awarded to Gateway Cities across Massachusetts to introduce new events or elements in their communities,” Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said. “With many of our outdoor public spaces under construction, we are pleased to partner with Mina’s to host some small-scale events in their space.”
The Department of Community Development has issued a “Call for Producers,” a model employed by other communities across the state to engage creative people who might not otherwise have an opportunity to participate or perform in downtown events. The City hopes people will come forward with creative ideas for community building events.
“Whether the proposal includes a musical or dance performance, a video gaming tournament, a movie showing, or some other idea, we are looking to introduce new experiences for people who might not otherwise visit downtown,” Peter Miller, director of community development said. “These grants provide us with a new way to experiment and see what kinds of ideas might work.”
Proposals are due back September 9 at 4 pm and should be delivered to the Office of Community Development, 59 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Westfield, MA 01085. Events should be held between September 18 and November 20.
A Message from the TDI Places Program
Have you ever thought, “If I was in charge, this is what I would do?” Well, here’s your opportunity!
MassDevelopment has awarded a $5,000 grant to the City’s Department of Community Development to implement locally-initiated small scale, short-term projects in Gateway Cities.
In Westfield, the grant is aimed toward bringing additional activity to the Elm Street area by introducing placemaking elements around the Crepes Tea House food truck. Additionally, the City is requesting proposals for mini—grants from individuals and organizations interested in producing cultural entertainment at the Side Yard.
The goal of the series is to increase the activity at street level, allowing our strong local artist population an opportunity to grow its audience; increase economic activity for the area in general; and engage new populations that are looking for something different in our community. We are looking for events that are: centered on a theme, unusual and creative, and will garner good press and attendance. The City will choose 4 applications for award. Should there be sufficient funding, a fifth award could be made.
The City is looking for creative individuals & local organizations to create, produce and manage cultural events that will take place in the Side Yard from September through November, 2015. We are seeking producers who will develop 2-4 hour cultural events and performances around a specific theme. Working with city staff, producers will be responsible for the following: selecting a theme, lining up talent and/or vendors, creating activities, submitting a budget, planning and managing the event, and helping to promote the event. Themes can be broad or specific, ranging from music, dance, or performance art to film and multimedia work.
Programming that reflect and include the diverse populations of the Westfield community are particularly encouraged. We also urge you to find ways to work with area businesses.
In general, we encourage you to discuss any ideas with us.
Westfield Fall Cultural Series Call for Producers Deadline for Submission: September 9, 2015
Budget: The City can provide a budget of UP TO $1,000 per event and provide technical support, marketing, and permitting. We encourage you to call and discuss any ideas.
How to Apply:
Please provide the following information in a Word document or .pdf (no more than two pages):
1. Contact info: e-mail and snail mail address, phone, and website (if applicable)
2. Describe your concept/theme
3. For events: List some or all of the acts/talent you would like to include; describe talent and how it supports your theme. For markets: List some or all of your vendors and describe any additional programming you want to include
4. Tell us what day and time frame would be ideal for your event. List your first, second and third choice for dates.
Night events, especially those incorporating film, should take place on a Friday with a raindate of Saturday or Saturday with a raindate of the following Saturday. We are open to all dates between September 18th and Thanksgiving.
5. Outline the schedule for your event (which act goes one first, second, etc.)
6. List technical requirements (stage, sound, lighting, etc.; we may be able to provide or it may need to be a part of your stipend)
7. Provide a budget: Break down how you’d spend the stipend; this may include producer stipend, talent fees and other fees you foresee.
8. Please describe your experience in producing cultural events; include support materials; i.e., photos, CDs, press clippings, resume(s), links to websites relevant to your work or the talent you propose to present
Project Selection: Should more than 4 projects be submitted, applications will be reviewed by a committee and judged based upon the following criteria.
1. Project budget
2. Applicant’s marketing plan
3. Leveraging of any partnerships
4. To assure diverse offerings
Please email your application, with Producer Application as the header, to: Peter Miller, Community Development
Questions? Call or e-mail Peter at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 413-572-6246
Deadline: September 9, 2015
