(Chelsea Update would like to thank Doris Galvin for the information in this story.)
Chelsea Area Festivals & Events (CAFE) recently received a $3,600 minigrant from the State of Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs (MCACA) administered by The Arts Alliance.
CAFE is the project manager in collaboration with the City of Chelsea/DDA, Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. The grant was awarded through a review panel process and was one of 12 out of 27 applications to compete for $32,000 of available MCACA funding for Region 9. Region 9 includes Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
The Arts & Cultural Projects Minigrant will assist CAFE in overseeing the management, marketing and provision of stipends to participating artists.
This annual outdoor sculpture exhibition will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Twelve juried sculptures, many of whom are Michigan artists, will continue to be showcased throughout historic downtown Chelsea. The exhibition has a history of strong community partnership and support. The future vision is to increase the number of installations and expand the footprint.
“We welcome sponsors to help underwrite each sculpture,” says Maureen Perdomo, sponsorship coordinator for CAFE.
Chelsea District Library, as part of their sponsorship support, has made a financial commitment for two installations to be located on the library property as well as providing docent tours.
“We have been a partner with the SculptureWalk since its beginning … last year we were very excited to be able to give one of the pieces a permanent home at the entrance to the library,” said Linda Ballard, assistant director.
The City of Chelsea/DDA is a strong SculptureWalk supporter and has been involved since the inception of the program in 2008 assisting financially and with operational management via the placement and removal of the sculptures.
“It is a true community activity that brings vibrancy and excitement to our city. Art is integral to our community, and SculptureWalk is especially important because people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities participate”, said John Hanifan, city manager.
Craig Common, president of CAFE said. “The project fits CAFE’s mission statement as a not-for-profit organization to enrich Chelsea and the surrounding communities, by promoting the presentation of and participation in quality performing and visual arts throughout the year.”
The Chelsea SculptureWalk is free for all visitors and community residents. Many of the sculptures will be available for purchase with the majority of the proceeds going to the artist.
Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match funds. Local support of the project includes: City of Chelsea / DDA, CAFE and Chelsea District Library.
The minigrant applications are evaluated by review panels comprised of artists, residents and organizational leaders from Region 9. This ensures that the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.
Thank you to the River Gallery for founding the SculptureWalk and having the vision and ability to bring arts and culture closer to home for our families and visitors.
SculptureWalk updates will be posted to CAFE’s website, www.chelseafestivals.com.
