The Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) and a Damariscotta-based arts orientated non-profit organization have announced plans to apply for an economic development grant.
The Creative Communities Economic Development (CCED) Grant, awarded by the Maine Arts Commission, aims to encourage cultural, economic, and governmental cooperation for community revitalization.
Addressing the Lincoln County Commissioners Sept. 20, the county’s Economic and Community Development Director Mary Ellen Barnes said LCRPC and River Arts in Damariscotta first submitted a letter of interest in March and were selected to be one of five or six final applicants for the grant.
Barnes said other non-profit cultural groups will most likely join River Arts and LCRPC in the grant application process.
The potential $50,000 grant, which carries a 1:1 matching requirement, will be given to two or more non-profit cultural organizations. Funds would be available after Dec. 9 and must be spent within a year.
Barnes said the draft proposal listed three potential uses for the award.
One plan calls for the creation of a Lincoln County Arts and Cultural Council, to be staffed by cultural organizations, county and municipal leaders, and members of local chambers of commerce.
The council would be tasked with fostering cooperation within the Lincoln County arts/cultural community while raising awareness of the value of arts and cultural activities to residents. The council would also aim to extend financial support for arts and cultural groups, the draft proposal said.
The first action of the council would be to organize a month-long series of arts/cultural events to go along with existing festivals with the aim of extending the tourism season, according to the draft proposal.
Barnes said the funds would also be used to prepare an arts and cultural asset map that would locate, describe, and identify the county’s cultural resources.
According to the draft proposal, “This process could identify specific areas for collaboration and new initiatives, new economic development gaps and opportunities.”
The asset map would assist regional planners in integrating the arts community into development projects.
The funds could also be used to develop a marketing plan aimed at branding Lincoln County communities as an “arts destination[s].”
The plan would combine traditional marketing with social media, web videos, and visitors’ services, the proposal said.
Barnes said a coordinated marketing plan would help smaller art venues that don’t have a lot of money available for promotion.
Barnes said the grant would strengthen opportunities for major nonprofits and businesses to grow.
“We need to convey to Augusta that arts and culture is part of the Lincoln County economy. We have some world class venues here,” Barnes said, asking for the Commissioner’s endorsement of the proposal.
The Commissioners voted unanimously to support the application.
Barnes said the LCRPC will host Maine Arts Commission Director Donna McNeil as she tours Damariscotta, Wiscasset, and Boothbay Sept. 28 as part of the grant review process.
