Knight Arts Challenge Now Taking Proposals for Community Art-Project Grants

Want to make a Philadelphia community cooler with something artistic, but don’t have the funding for turn your idea into reality? The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is throwing down $9 million worth of investment via its Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia, which launched a couple years ago with the sole purpose of helping Philadelphia artists, businesses, and organizations to enrich their neighborhoods through innovative creativity. Back in 2010, the Challenge supported photographer Zoe Strauss’ I-95 project; with 71 projects funded already and $5.4 million dollars awarded, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a shot too. No idea is too big or small, and you don’t have to have the art-world reputation of a Strauss to apply. You do have to think fast, though: The application deadline for the third round of proposals is only two and a half weeks away on October 15. May the best ideas win! — CAROLINE NEWTON