2016 York Creative Impact Awards winners announced
The Cultural Alliance of York County has awarded over $83,000 in grant dollars to arts-based projects/programs through the Creative Impact Awards, which aim to fund projects/programs that strengthen community accord while supporting local economy.
The 2016 recipients of the Creative Impact Awards are as follows:
- WeCo Neighborhood Association received funds for “WeCo Summer Series,” a series of public events throughout the Summer months at Foundry Park boat basin in York City featuring arts and music festivals, Creekfire events, family festivals, and a 275th York city birthday community BBQ dinner.
- Dillsburg Arts and Revitalization Council received funds for “Arts Expansion,” to support providing multi-faceted arts programs to the Dillsburg community utilizing local artists.
- Dreamwrights Youth and Family Theatre received funds for “StAGES!,” a program designed to support older adults’ healthy and positive aging process through a participatory theatre experience led by professional theatre artists.
- Steam Into History received funds for “Civil War Reenactment and Ball Weekend,” during which Civil war reenactors from the North and South will offer visitors an intimate experience of walking through a battlefield and talking with Civil War soldiers, followed by a Civil War ball dance with period attire and traditional dancing.
- JJ Sheffer received funds for “York Story Slam,” a monthly storytelling competition where anyone can take a turn at the microphone and tell a true story based on that month’s theme.
- Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center received funds for “High School Playwriting Festival,” which will celebrate the playwright instead of the actor while encouraging York County students, in grades nine through 12, to explore themes from a uniquely adolescent perspective through the writing of ten-minute plays. Select submissions will be designated "Distinguished Plays," given a director, design team and cast, and culminate in a one-day festival on the Strand stage on May 7.
- Farm and Natural Lands Trust and the York Art Association received funds for “Preserved Lands,” a collaborative exhibit with YAA artist members and other artists creating original works depicting FNLT preserved lands.
- The Parliament received funds for “Summer Market.” Set for July 30 and 31, The Parliament Arts Organization will produce their first summer arts market event in the Royal Square neighborhood of downtown York featuring unique artisans, food trucks, live music and family/children’s activities.
- York County Library System received funds for “On Your Mark, Get Set, DANCE,” a free five-week summer dance camp at Martin Memorial Library provided as part of the York County Libraries' summer reading program, and a free four-week dance education program at York City schools as part of their Migrant Education Program. Dancers will perform on stage at the Summer Reading Program highlight event.
The Creative Impact Awards consist of two categories: community grants and focus investment grants.
The Cultural Alliance of York County requires recipients of the Creative Impact Awards to have their main location in York County and demonstrate a commitment to programs of local impact.