Downtown Now! is issuing grants of up to $5,000 for arts and cultural organizations to provide programming for The Old Post Office Plaza from April through October of 2010.
A great emphasis will be placed on quality, creative programming that showcases local talent. Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals that include a programming and promotions plan.
To find out more about the Plaza, prospective applicants can: attend an open house at 2p.m. on December 11 or January 11, 2010; visit the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis' Web site at www.downtownstl.org and/or request copies of the Plaza brochure and site plan from atrice Gillespie Smith at pgsmith@downtownstl.org
Programming Goals:
In an effort to address the diverse entertainment and recreational needs of the various users of Downtown, Downtown Now! seeks to provide programming that:
1) Engages the downtown working, resident and visitor audiences2) Highlights downtown's role in the region3) Makes the most of downtown's unique environment4) Explores the Plaza's versatility by using a multitude of media5) Promotes activity throughout the day
Overview of the Plaza
The Old Post Office Plaza is Downtown's newest venue for public performances. This unique and intimate space showcases an award-winning design that incorporates extensive landscaping and water features with a sculpture "Torso di Ikaro" by Artist Igor Mitoraj, highlighting the Greek Mythology of Daedalus and Icarus as its focal point.
Located at the corner of 9th and Locust, this open space is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, office and residential buildings and truly is in the heart of downtown.
Special features of the 30,000 sq. ft. Plaza include: a 5,000 sq. ft. open square, a 700 sq. ft. theatre plateau, a labyrinth complete with numerous benches, cascading steps leading to a basin, a video wall and a dramatic ramp, “Daedelus Rise,?leading to a stunning waterfall. All of these effects lend themselves to creative uses. For additional consideration, the Plaza is WiFi accessible, offers electric hook ups and tent ties for programming needs. An audio/visual system is not included in the Plaza and any audio/visual needs must be met by the entity providing programming. Funds for programming are provided, in part, by US Bancorp CDC. Programming will be managed through the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.
Proposal Submittals
Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals featuring individuals or groups of artists they wish to highlight at the Old Post Office Plaza. All proposals should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Plaza and outline how the applicant and his/her members intend to use the site to provide programming. Proposals should also include brief overviews of credentials for any proposed artists. A Review Committee will rank the applications and the proposals that most closely address the criteria stated below will be awarded grants.
Proposals cannot exceed 10 pages in length and cannot offer more than 1 page per proposed program or artist included in the application.
All proposals should include the following information:
* A detailed budget for the programming, including A/V costs, marketing, compensating the performers and whether the sponsor organization intends to provide any matching contributions* Quantity and timing of proposed programs* Name of the group/organization performing* Medium used in each performance* Target audience for each performance* A/V equipment needs and how they would be accommodated* Plan for promoting these events* Proof that organization is insured
Programming Criteria:
A Downtown Now! Committee will score programming applications based on the following criteria:
1) Addresses Plaza goals2) Helps promote Downtown, shows an understanding of how to market events3) Reinforces cultural diversity4) Ease of program execution5) Creativity of the proposed programming6) Willingness to leverage grant dollars and provide the best programming value7) Ability to attract an audience8) Organization's history of providing quality programming
Review Process:
Downtown Now! will accept proposals until January 18th and will notify grant recipients by February 8th. No applications will be accepted directly from individuals; rather they must be submitted by a sponsoring organization familiar with the individual's abilities, history and talents.
Downtown Now! is under no obligation to fund programming proposals in their entirety and may select parts of the programming proposals or allocate resources depending on the number of applicants and the resources available. Upon the award of a grant, Downtown Now! will discuss and confirm with grantees how the grant funds are intended to be used. If either party is dissatisfied with the proposed approach, it may decide to not award or accept the grants.
The Review Committee will consist of representatives from:
* US Bancorp CDC* Gateway Foundation* Danforth Foundation* The City of St. Louis* The Partnership for Downtown St. Louis* The Community Improvement District of Downtown St. Louis
Timeline:
November 17: The Request for Proposal process opens and prospective applicants can contact Patrice Gillespie Smith of the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis with any questions via email at pgsmith@downtownstl.orgDecember 11, 2p.m.: First Open House at the Plaza for all prospective applicantsJanuary 11, 2010, 2 p.m.: Final Open House for all prospective applicants.January 18, 2010, 5 p.m.: The RFP process is officially closedFebruary 8, 2010: Successful applicants will be notified of their award. |
