4.1. Downtown Festival and Events Program In order to develop, expand, and maintain a diverse range of events that attract visitors, engage residents, and contributing to the overall vibrancy of Downtown Urbana throughout the year, the City is seeking proposals from community partners to organize and operate public festivals and events. The City intends on supporting multiple festivals and/or events throughout the year (July 1-June 30). City sponsorship of Events may vary depending on the number of proposals received and the degree programs meet the program goals. Applicants may submit proposals for one or more events. 4.2. Program Guidelines Events sponsored through this program should meet the following goals: • Support Downtown businesses and local vendors by increasing foot traffic and visibility; • Preserve and showcase local artists, performers, and small businesses; • Encourage partnerships among artists, performers, businesses, and organizations; • Promote sustainability, accessibility, and environmental stewardship; • Integrate the arts into the urban environment, creating a sense of place and purpose; • Enrich the lives of Urbana residents and visitors; and • Collect and report metrics on event attendance, viability, and success 4.3. Program Requirements Events sponsored through this programs shall meet the following minimum requirements: • Events must take place in Urbana’s Downtown Business District. • The lead organization must be: o A legally registered Illinois for-profit corporation, OR o A not-for-profit organization, AND o Have one local Urbana business as a sponsor OR o Have one letter-of-support from a local Urbana business. • Project organizers will be required to submit a Special Event Permit Application to the City 60 days prior to the Event date. • While any entity may submit proposals, Applicants based in the City of Urbana and Champaign County may be prioritized. • Previous recipients of Urbana Arts Grants ARE eligible to apply for the 2025 funding. Grant applications requesting funding for new projects or new additions to ongoing projects may be given priority
