The City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development offers grants to individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations to support art and culture within Bangor, Maine. The Commission's mission is to benefit citizens, visitors, and the economic and cultural vitality of the city through funding, marketing, advocacy, and education. This grant program aligns directly with the Commission's strategic priorities by actively funding projects that enhance Bangor's cultural landscape and foster its economic growth.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individual artists and 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit arts and cultural organizations, or organizations applying through a 501(c)3 partner. The program aims to increase public access to art and culture, stimulate cultural enterprise, and address the cultural needs of the Bangor community. Projects must be located within the City of Bangor and directly serve its community, ensuring a localized impact.
The Commission prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear match requirement, where applicants must show a 1:1 match through other fundraising efforts. For individual artists, special consideration is given to projects designed for public display, and all funded works must initially be publicly accessible. This focus on public accessibility and community engagement reflects the Commission's theory of change, which posits that by investing in and promoting cultural initiatives, the overall well-being and vibrancy of the city will improve.
Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and diversity of cultural events and artistic expressions in Bangor, greater participation from the community in arts and cultural activities, and a stronger cultural infrastructure. Measurable results could include the number of projects funded, the number of individuals and organizations reached, the estimated audience attendance for public art displays, and the documented economic impact of cultural development initiatives. Through this grant program, the City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development aims to achieve a more culturally enriched and economically dynamic city.
