Boise lays out America 2 50 program: First Thursdays, student contests and $30,000 in community grants
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Summary
Boise’s Arts & History staff previewed a year of events tied to the national 250th anniversary, including First Thursdays, a July 4 program at Ann Morrison Park with the Boise Philharmonic, a student art contest (deadline March 12), and a $30,000 community grant pool with 20 applicants and awards planned for early March.
Boise Arts & History staff presented the city’s America 2 50 campaign and related programming, previewing a mix of public events, partnerships and small community grants.
"July 4 marks the 200 and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence," Lindsay Mosier, co-lead on the America 2 50 efforts, told commissioners as she described the city’s themes and program goals. Staff said the campaign will emphasize community events, arts and culture experiences, reflections on history and opportunities to engage residents.
Planned public offerings include First Thursdays programming at Jump and at the Sherry Buckner Web Park (“First Thursdays Under the Tree”), tours and exhibitions including an Irma Hayman House exhibit, a family trivia night in April, an arts awards showcase in May, and a signature July 4 celebration at Ann Morrison Park featuring a pancake breakfast, parade and fireworks at dusk with a special Boise Philharmonic performance.
Staff announced a $30,000 grant pool for community projects; the application closed the prior week with 20 applicants. The grant review panel is scheduled to meet in mid-February and award decisions are expected in early March. Staff said grant-funded events will run from April through the end of September.
A student arts contest for K–12 students will take submissions in visual, written and performing arts with a March 12 deadline; winning entries will be showcased at a May 7 awards ceremony. Staff also described partnerships with Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Public Television, Boise State University, the Wasserman Center and the Boise Public Library for programming and outreach.
Staff encouraged commissioners to refer constituents to the campaign website and said a public news release and promotional materials would roll out shortly.
