For West and North Philadelphians, A Grant Opportunity to Make Art and Build Community

The region in West Philadelphia that can apply for LISC’s new placemaking grant

What is creative placemaking?

Philadelphia LISC, a local chapter of a national community development organization, wants residents and community groups in West and Eastern North Philadelphia to generate ideas about how to beautify, reclaim and elevate their spaces — using art as a vehicle for change.

The group is making a handful of grants — up to $7,500 each — to fund creative placemaking projects. The application deadline is September 5.

“This is about making the community a place where residents want to live and want their children to live,” said Andy Frishkoff, executive director of Philadelphia LISC.

The placemaking grants, said Frishkoff, are a unique opportunity “to build on existing community engagement and aspirations, where residents and artists can actually make something that they share with the community in a public space.”

Philadelphia LISC has traditionally focused on more basic needs, such as housing and economic development, but has found that artistic activity strengthens community and brings people together, according to Frishkoff.

“We can make our places more lively, safe, and more publicly expressive of our artistic and cultural identities,” he said.

Community-based nonprofit organizations, or artists with a community-based sponsor, are eligible to apply. To learn more about about the placemaking grants review the guidelines here.

Below, the region in Eastern North Philly that is eligible to apply: