New developments coming to Sidewalk + more arts facilities, thanks to $2.7M grant

Last month, the Alabama State Council on the Arts awarded $2,768,800 in grants to 60 arts facilities across the state. Eleven creative spaces—Sidewalk Film Center, Terrific New Theatre, Space One Eleven to name a few—were among the 60 awarded money.

See the full list and how they’re using their grant money to expand arts access across Birmingham.

$2.7M in Creative Places Arts Facilities grants

According to the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Creative Places Arts Facilities program strengthens Alabama communities by providing grants for the construction, renovation, restoration or enhancement of facilities where the public can participate in arts programming and educational activities.

“These critical investments make a big difference in communities throughout Alabama and will pay dividends for years to come.

We extend our gratitude to the Alabama Legislature for their continued support of the Creative Places Arts Facilities grant program and their recognition of the importance of these investments, particularly in rural communities.”

Elliot Knight, Executive Director, Alabama State Council on the Arts in a press release

Grants were awarded in two categories:

• Enhancement grants: Fund equipment purchases that will improve how cultural assets are presented + produced
• Construction grants: Fund the building of a new facility or substantial renovations/repairs of existing facilities

Among the construction grant recipients was our very own Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema. They received $85,000 to support an expansion that will include:

• 2 micro cinemas
• Additional classroom space
• Exterior signage

Other local recipients inlclude:

• Arts Council of the Trussville Area Theater: $100,000 construction grant for audio system modifications + tech loft expansion
• The Dance Foundation: $47,500 enhancement grant for studio theatre improvements
• East Village Arts: $100,000 construction grant to renovate a historic facility to expand arts access
• Firehouse Community Arts Center: $10,000 construction grant for 2 new lesson rooms
• Homewood Theatre: $20,000 enhancement grant for enhancement of microphones + speakers
• Leeds Arts Council: $22,000 enhancement grant for facility upgrades
• Red Mountain Makers: $30,000 construction grant for renovations
• Shelby County Arts Council: $7,300 enhancement grant for pottery equipment + updated signage
• Space One Eleven: $45,000 enhancement grant for flooring + lighting upgrades
• Terrific New Theatre: $42,500 enhancement grant for facility upgrades

These grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

What do you think of the new plans for these local theatres and arts centers? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know.