In its sixth round of Creative Community Grants, the Center for Great Neighborhoods again will focus attention on the specific needs of four of Covington’s 19 neighborhoods.
The grants, funded through multi-year support from the Kresge Foundation, total almost $25,000. They were awarded to neighborhoods in Latonia, Lewisburg, Westside and the Eastern Four (Helentown, Austinburg, Wallace Woods and Levassor Park). Grantees were selected by a panel that included professionals in arts-related organizations, residents of Covington and a staff person from the center. In addition, Madcap Puppets received a grant to present a different performance in each of the four neighborhoods.
“We made some changes to the Creative Community Grant program this round by giving each neighborhood the opportunity to identify their own issue to have artists address,” said Shannon Ratterman,the center’s program manager.
The neighborhood grant recipients and projects include:
Latonia: wm. & wm. strategic design will work with the neighborhood to develop a brand identity to raise visibility and a sense of community;
Eastern Four: Ceramicist Patrick Dougherty will design and create markers for the Licking River Greenway trails specific to the neighborhood.
Westside: Lauren Difulvio Wolf and Ride the Cov will work with the city to make Covington more bicycle-friendly.
Lewisburg: Mosaic artist Ximena Flores will create a one-of-a-kind art installation for Father Hanses Park, engaging residents to help with the design and process.