Arts and Culture Board seeks grant proposals

The Georgetown Arts and Culture Board is seeking grant proposals for art, music, theater and cultural heritage events or projects to take place in Georgetown between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, informal arts and culture organizations, and individual artists who are creating public art or an event open to the public are eligible to apply, with the exception of those who were funded in the previous round of grants. The total budget for grants is $10,000. Recent grants have averaged $2,000 apiece.

Proposals should include:

• Contact information for someone who is readily available to answer questions about the proposal

• Purpose and description of the event or project

• Amount being requested and total budget, including other anticipated funding sources

• Date, location, admission charge, and anticipated attendance

• Size and demographic makeup of past audiences or participants

Special consideration will be given for events or projects that meet one or more of these criteria:

• Are free admission

• Include outreach to populations that are traditionally underrepresented

• Have a cultural tourism or economic impact

Organizations or individuals that receive funding will be required to follow up by:

•  Recognizing the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board in their advertising and programs

• Submitting a one-page report to the Arts and Culture Board no later than Jan. 31, 2018, with a description of the use of grant funds and copies of event promotion materials

Grant proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6. Organizations will be notified by email about funding decisions by June 30.

To submit a grant proposal, visit arts.georgetown.org/call-for-arts-and-culture-grant-proposals-2. If you have questions, contact Lawren Weiss at (512) 930-3551 or lawren.weiss@georgetown.org.

Square “Great Public Space”

The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association announced April 3 that it had designated the Georgetown Square as a Great Public Space in its Great Places in Texas program.

According to the organization, Great Places in Texas exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value

“The Great Place in Texas award represents decades of great planning, investment and dedication to the crown jewel of our community by many City Councils, city staff, and boards and commissions—both present and past,” Georgetown Planning Director Sofia Nelson said.

The Square was one of six places designated in the first Great Places in Texas program, which was modeled after the American Planning Association’s ongoing Great Places in America program.

“Georgetown’s Town Square, termed ‘the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,’ truly is a great public space,” said Lori Schwarz, chair of the Great Places in Texas Selection Committee.  “The historic Square is the focal point for community events and heritage preservation efforts, which provide opportunities for small business and restaurants to thrive in a vibrant pedestrian environment.”

Through Great Places in Texas, the Texas Chapter of APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities—streets, neighborhoods and public spaces. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day, places that are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. Such places are defined by many characteristics, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.

For more information about the 2017 Great Places in Texas, as well as a list of the Great Places in America designees located in the state, visit http://www.txplanning.org/great-places-in-texas/

Family Fun Day Celebrates Seniors

Families of all ages are invited to a free Family Fun Day filled with an afternoon of intergenerational activities held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the historic courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown.  Family Fun Day will give older adults and kids the opportunity to showcase their talents and teach those skills to younger and older generations. From 1 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to participate in ice cream making, fishing demonstrations, face painting, handcrafts, photo booth, woodworking demonstrations, games, dancing, and more!

Emergency Planning Surveys Invite

The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management is preparing two community protection plans in the event of floods and wildfires. The public is invited to participate in surveys for each of the plans to provide feedback to the County to help in identifying local values and understanding the general attitudes about the hazards and risks related to flooding and wildfires in the community. The information provided will help coordinate activities to reduce the risk of injury or property damage in the future.

Williamson County together with the watershed stakeholders within the County are developing the Williamson County Flood Protection Plan (CFPP). The CFPP is used to formulate and document mitigation strategies that will aid in protecting life and property from the impacts of future flood events.

The community also is invited to take part in a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) survey. It is understood that some communities within the County already have developed community wildfire protection plans; however, all input is beneficial in the development of a strong collaborative, community-based plan.

Visit parks.wilco.org to complete the 10-minute surveys.