|
|
For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2011
Contact:
Erich Weyant (ECHDC) |
eweyant@esd.ny.gov | 716.846.8258
Events and Programming Sought for Canalside
Building off the momentum of a record-breaking summer, ECHDC
seeks proposals for 2012 programming season The Erie Canal
Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) today issued a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for events and programming for the 2012 programming
season in order to activate the existing features, public spaces and
water at Canalside. Program funding will fall into three categories:
General Programming, “Story of Buffalo” Programming, and Special
Programming. ECHDC has set a deadline of September 23 for
submissions. The Cultural Advisory Group will make recommendations
to the ECHDC board of directors in November. The 2012 season will
run from May 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
“The tremendous influx of people visiting Canalside this summer
demonstrates the wisdom of expanding our events calendar,” said
Maureen Hurley, Chair of the Canalside Cultural Advisory Group. “By
Labor Day Weekend we expect to have nearly tripled the number of
visitors over last year. The people of Western New York have
awakened to the unique asset that we have in our waterfront, and it
is our goal to ensure that they have interesting and exciting ways
to enjoy it.”
Proposals for General Programming funds will be weighed according to
a number of factors, including their ability to appeal to a wide
audience demographic, draw large and/or repeat audiences, and the
history and experience of their organization with similar endeavors.
ECHDC will provide a maximum of $50,000 for implementing General
Programming proposals that are selected. Individual General
Programming proposals will receive a maximum of $2,500. A match
(cash or in-kind) of 50% or more is required.
Applicants seeking “Story of Buffalo” funds must demonstrate their
proposals relevance to local history and culture, as well as their
educational value. Events will take place throughout Western New
York in 2012 to celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and
the 150th anniversaries of the Albright-Knox, the Buffalo and Erie
County Historical Society, and the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Applicants are encouraged to provide programming that will tie into
these events and increase collaboration between Western New York’s
cultural entities. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
will provide a maximum of $150,000 for implementing selected Story
of Buffalo Programming proposals. Individual Story of Buffalo
Programming proposals will receive a maximum of $10,000. A match
(cash or in-kind) of 50% or more is required.
Each year, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation receives
proposals that do not fit either of the above programming
categories. Although some of those proposals are forwarded to other
advisory groups or rejected, the Special Programming category allows
those proposals that do not fit the criteria for General or Story of
Buffalo programming to receive consideration. Special Programming
proposals will be considered based upon the applicant’s ability to
demonstrate uniqueness, a “wow” factor, or a “big idea.” The funding
amount, if any, will be based on the selected proposal(s).
“If you are talking about Buffalo, you are talking about the
waterfront,” said Peter Dow, co-chair of the Cultural Advisory
Group. “The ‘Story of Buffalo’ and the history of our waterfront are
inextricably linked and we encourage individuals and groups who have
a story that they would like to see told to apply to be a part of
this process. We have been so pleased by the success we have had
this summer, but it is really only the beginning.”
The RFP and application forms are available at:
http://www.eriecanalharbor.com/rfprfq.asp
Staging areas available for applicants include:
- Stage
- Boardwalk
- “Green Slope”
- Historic Ruins
- Whipple Bridge
- Boardwalk Extension/Beach
- Great Lawn
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency
of Empire State Development Corporation whose vision is to
revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth
to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance
and natural beauty.
|
