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For Immediate Release:
September 19, 2012
Contact:
Laura Magee (ECHDC) |
lmagee@esd.ny.gov | 716.846.8239
ESD/ECHDC Press Office |
pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | 1-800-260-7313
EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING SOUGHT FOR CANALSIDE
Building off the momentum of a record-breaking summer, ECHDC
seeks proposals for 2013 programming season The Erie Canal
Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) today issued a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for events and programming for the 2013 season in
order to activate the existing features, public spaces and water at
Canalside. The 2012 season had 425 events with over 500,000 visitors
to Canalside. ECHDC is looking to expand the number of events to
600, as well as extend its season from May 1 to October 7, and
increase Canalside visitors to over 600,000 in the 2013 season.
“The momentum building around Buffalo’s waterfront is undeniable and
with this RFP we are, once again, soliciting a variety of events and
programming at Canalside that will appeal to a wide demographic,”
said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia.
“ECHDC is charged with bringing Buffalo’s waterfront back to life
after decades of dormancy and it is on a trajectory path, thanks to
the leadership of Governor Cuomo. I encourage the people of Western
New York to respond to the RFP so that we can continue to have
unique and exciting ways to enjoy our waterfront.”
Program funding will fall into three categories: General
Programming, “Story of Buffalo” Programming, and Special
Programming. ECHDC has set a deadline of October 26 for RFP
submissions. A review committee comprised of members of the Cultural
Advisory Group, Buffalo Place Inc. and ECHDC will make
recommendations to the ECHDC Board of Directors in December.
Proposals for General Programming funds will be weighed according to
a number of factors, including its ability to appeal to a wide
audience demographic, draw large and/or repeat audiences, and the
history and experience of the organization with similar endeavors.
ECHDC will provide a maximum of $30,000 for implementing General
Programming proposals that are selected. Individual General
Programming proposals will receive a maximum of $1,500. A match
(cash or in-kind) of 50 percent or more is encouraged.
Applicants seeking “Story of Buffalo” funds must demonstrate their
proposal’s relevance to local history and culture, as well as their
educational value. Applicants are encouraged to provide programming
that will tie into regional events and increase collaboration
between Western New York’s cultural entities. The Erie Canal Harbor
Development Corporation will provide a maximum of $100,000 for
implementing selected Story of Buffalo Programming proposals.
Individual Story of Buffalo Programming proposals will receive a
maximum of $8,500. A match (cash or in-kind) of 50 percent or more
is encouraged.
The Special Programming category allows 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 will be based on
the selected proposal(s).
“Canalside has emerged as a hotspot for summertime in Buffalo but we
want to build on that, extending our season and attracting even more
visitors to this unique asset,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation President Thomas Dee. “Progress is being made every day
to improve the infrastructure so that we can host even more events
and activities, as well as attract the private investment that is
our next step.”
Staging areas available for applicants include:
- Stage
- Boardwalk
- “Green Slope”
- Historic Ruins
- Whipple Bridge
- Boardwalk Extension/Beach
- Great Lawn
New areas include the Pierce Lawn, Dart Lawn, and Dunbar Lawn
(see the site plan included in the RFP).
More information on the RFP can be found at
www.eriecanalharbor.com.
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. |
