Emanuel Wallace
The grant was awarded by ArtPlace America, a 10-year collaboration started in 2011 between federal agencies and financial institutions to support both the arts and urban revitalization.
The arts are the lifeblood of Collinwood, which is known for its Waterloo Arts District, art galleries, and indie music venues.
Collinwood will be using the Ballot Box Project to determine how to use the new funds. Five groups of residents, artists, and city staff members, each focusing on an area of need such as health or public safety, will work together to brainstorm ideas for art projects over six months. Residents will then vote on their favorite ideas at five weekly polling events.
Not only will the project help create projects to develop the community, it's also designed to encourage voter registration and community involvement.
According to ArtPlace America, Collinwood was one of 1,283 applicants this year. Out of 90 finalists, the neighborhood was one of only 38 grant recipients.
In 2012, Collinwood recieved a $500,000 grant from ArtPlace America, which aimed to recruit artists to the community.
