HOW BROWARD CULTURAL DIVISION CAN SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH FESTIVALS

Festivals contribute to our community in ways we don’t always recognize. They provide an opportunity for segments of our community to gather and
celebrate together, generate a sense of pride for local culture and contribute to the local economy.

While festivals seemingly come and go, taking place one or more days annually, their impact permeates the communities even in the days between when a festival takes place each year. Festivals can shine a light on cultures/ethnicities while elevating a city artistically as a whole. And as we’ve seen with FAT Village’s art walk, they can also rejuvenate neighborhoods. By providing dialogue and awareness of cultures and concepts, festivals can transform communities; a facet worth celebrating in and of itself.

In short, festivals support place and community just as much as place and community can support festivals. So, how are Broward Cultural Division supporting our festivals in Broward? For those who have a hand in the production of festivals, we have a grant for you to apply for fiscal year 2021 funding.

Some key dates for our Cultural Festival Program (CFP) grant:

• April 15: Application workshop – learn more about the grant and how to apply directly from our staff (free to attend)

• June 1: Letter of intent deadline
  
• July 1: Application deadline

While the Cultural Division’s funding opportunities are currently being restructured to account for more equitable and efficient distribution, these adjustments will not impact the current funding cycles.

In 2020 we will continue to offer funding for:

• Individual, creative projects
• Tourist development and cultural heritage efforts
• Arts and culture organizations’ exhibitions and programming
• And more! Find all opportunities and their corresponding workshop and deadline dates at Broward.org/Arts under Funding

In the meantime, throughout the grants restructuring process, Cultural Division Director Phil Dunlap will be hosting three-hour sessions where former, current and future grantees can learn more and ask questions about the process. These monthly Culture Café sessions are free and will take place the third Friday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m. at General Provision’s downtown location; email me for information.

Whether you’re the mastermind behind festival concepts, the person helping with permitting or simply attending a festival with a friend, you’re playing your part in contributing to a healthy and vibrant community.