More than a hundred groups will learn Wednesday whether they’ll receive arts grants from the city of Phoenix.
Five years ago, Caroline Lobo helped form the Hatcher Urban Business Alliance, a group of businesses, nonprofits and residents focused on revitalizing the 3.5 mile Hatcher Road corridor. Two years ago, they created a holiday market and parade, thanks to funding from the city’s arts grant program.
“We are able to get schools, local businesses, community organizations to create these unique floats that speaks about either their business or their organization,” Lobo said. “So it’s really activating the street and bringing people from all walks of life onto the Hatcher corridor and that’s one of the ways you can create a sense of community, create a sense of camaraderie, and a sense of safety in a very interesting way.”
Lobo’s group expects to get $4,500 dollars to continue the event.
The Hatcher Road corridor is part of the Sunnyslope community, which is home to social service providers like dining halls for people experiencing homelessness and probation services.
“It’s not just OK to dream of revitalizing a community, revitalization is a process, it’s about education, it’s about bringing people together, it’s about activism,” she said. “It’s a true partnership and I’m so happy that these partnerships are being encouraged and we’re all working collectively.”
Her vision for Hatcher Road is to become a maker’s hub to showcase local talent, including artists, manufacturers, retailers and others.
The City Council will vote on $1.4 million to fund 111 applicants that include small groups and larger organizations, like the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony.
