Downtown Development Authority Offering $5K to $50K To Miami Visionairies

One of last year’s grant winners, Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), performs a 90-minute family program of holiday music at Miami DDA’s holiday lighting ceremony, held on November 17, 2023, on Flagler Street. (Photo courtesy of Miami DDA)

Local creatives who want to be part of something big for Miami’s downtown are being encouraged to make a difference and get some money for doing it.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) launched the Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant Program (DCCG) to aid local visionaries in bringing projects to life that “will elevate Downtown Miami’s community offerings.”

“With grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, we want to empower local visionaries to bring innovative ideas to life. Whether it’s a captivating art installation, a community event, or a groundbreaking new project, these grants not only enrich Downtown Miami’s cultural landscape but also drive economic growth and foster community pride,” Arva Suzanne Gibson, Chair of the Miami DDA’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee told artburstmiami.com.

One of last year’s grant winners, Fashinnovation, hosted its third Miami Talks event in May of 2024, showcasing innovation and creativity in the heart of Miami. (Photo courtesy of Miami DDA)

“We’re passionate about highlighting the unique locations and historic venues in Downtown Miami and encouraging proposals that create engaging experiences.”

With these types of grants being even more important after the state of Florida arts funding cuts – when Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed more than $32 million in state arts and culture grants from next year’s budget taking arts groups by surprise just before the fiscal year began in July  – Gibson acknowledged that the DCCG is another means of support.

“The Downtown Creative Collaborator Grants (DCCG) are a lifeline for creatives seeking to activate in Downtown Miami. It’s about empowering artists and cultural institutions to thrive, especially in times when funding can be uncertain,” said Gibson.

Grant awards in the DCCG program are determined based on the scale and scope of the proposed project or event, as well as its potential economic impact and alignment with program objectives, according to Gibson. Larger grants exceeding $25,000 require approval from the Miami DDA Board of Directors, which evaluates the project’s merits and funding needs based on the applicant’s submission and presentation.

“We encourage great ideas that align with our vision for Downtown Miami’s future,” she said.

For those wanting to get noticed, Gibson said the Miami’s DDA’s Grant Review Committee considers several key factors in proposals.

• Innovation and impact: The creativity and originality of the project or event idea, and its potential to have a demonstrable economic impact on Downtown Miami.
• Community engagement: The extent to which the project fosters community connections and attracts diverse audiences.
• Feasibility and planning: A comprehensive and detailed plan outlining all stages of the project, including pre-marketing, execution, and post-event evaluation.
• Alignment with program objectives: How well the proposal aligns with the DCCG program’s goals of enhancing Downtown Miami’s cultural appeal and global visibility.

Project and event idea submissions are due on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at midnight, via digital submission.

FilmGate Miami, hosted its Free-For-All film festival, bringing together film enthusiasts with money they received from its DCCG. (Photo courtesy of Miami DDA)

And with the eyes of the world on the growth of Miami, Gibson acknowledge that “the DCCG contributes to Miami’s evolution as a global city by funding projects that showcase its cultural diversity, artistic innovation, and economic potential. By supporting creative initiatives that attract both residents and international visitors, the DCCG enhances Downtown Miami’s reputation as a dynamic cultural hub.”

On Monday, July 15, a participant informational webinar – in person and by Zoom – will take place at 2 p.m. Participants need to register in advance.  After registering,  a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar.

For more information about the grant program, call (305) 579-6675 or get your application in at https://miamidda.submittable.com/submit.

ArtburstMiami.com is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music, and more. Don’t miss a story at www.artburstmiami.com.