The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced recently that Our Town Cicero will be a recipient of a $5,000 Quick Impact Placebased (QuIP) grant.
The QuIP grant funds space enhancements and community transformation projects that spark community-wide conversation and creativity. Our Town Cicero’s application included a proposal for a small downtown stage, located on the corner of Jackson and Short Streets. The stage will play host to local musicians and give artists of all mediums a place to display their work.
“Creating a place where people want to live is a critical element to creating a sustainable, interconnected community and strong economic development strategy,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “This Pocket Park will showcase the Cicero community’s commitment to local art, dedication to creating a strong sense of community and provide a clear path for future downtown development.”
The stage will serve as the focal point of a larger community gathering space, dubbed the ‘Pocket Park.’ The greenspace hopes to be the future home of Cicero community events, art shows, and possibly farmers’ markets.
“We’re so grateful to OCRA for supporting this project,” said Deanna Holt, Our Town Cicero President. “By working closely with the town and local artists on community-based programming, I believe the Pocket Park will be the start of an increased focus on art and community in downtown Cicero for years to come.”
Our Town Cicero will work with Cicero business Meticulous Landscapes to begin construction on the Pocket Park stage this summer. Visit OurTownCicero.org to learn more about Our Town Cicero and the QuIP grant.
About Our Town Cicero
Our Town Cicero is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit and Indiana Main Street member. Our Town Cicero is dedicated to strengthening the vibrancy of Cicero by promoting local businesses and partnerships so all may visit, eat play, and live.
What’s going to happen to the house that abuts this space to the west?