Main Street pursuing grant for art projects

Main Street El Dorado is applying for a grant to help fund projects that it wants to launch downtown.

Beth Brumley, executive director of MSE, said she recently learned about a grant that is open to government entities and nonprofit organizations, including Main Street programs.

The AARP Community Challenge grant provides small grants to fund “quick-action” projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

Applications are being accepted for projects to improve housing, transportation, public space, technology (“smart cities”), civic engagement and more.

Brumley told the Main Street board of directors that up to $5,000 is available for small-scale projects and between $10,000 and $20,000 could be awarded for large-scale projects.

MSE is considering the AARP grant for a long-discussed crosswalk art project and to refresh and update a wall sign that welcomes visitors to downtown El Dorado from the West Main Street approach.

The sign, which reads “Welcome to historic downtown El Dorado”, is on the west wall of the building that houses Main Street Antiques, 112 W. Main.

“There’s already a mural on the side of that building. We’re looking at updating that sign because it’s faded and hard to see,” Brumley said.

Also under consideration is adding uplighting to illuminate the sign and some repainting to reflect the new MSE logo.

Brumley said she hopes to use grant funds, if awarded, for a crosswalk art project.

Such projects have become a popular trend in urban landscape design and traffic/pedestrian safety in cities across the country.

Among a list of acceptable projects for the AARP Community Challenge grant is a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.

“It’s targeted toward making the quality of life easier and improving accessibility for people who are AARP age,” Brumley said.

She said Main Street is considering the intersections of Elm Street and Jefferson Avenue or Elm and Washington Avenue as possible locations of the crosswalk art projects.

“It’s in the areas where our festivals tend to be. We don’t want someone to get run over trying to take a picture,” Brumley said.

Main Street board members said they would like to work with local artists on the project and the group has discussed design ideas with the South Arkansas Arts Center.

Brumley said she is also consulting with the El Dorado Historic District Commission on the project, since the preferred locations for the crosswalk art project are within the city’s commercial historic district.

The EHDC works to ensure that exterior projects within the district fit design guidelines and standards that are intended to protect the architectural and historical integrity of the commercial historic district.

Brumley said she will have to act fast, noting that April 1 is the deadline to apply for the AARP grant.

Main Street is also still looking into options to help raise money for other projects the group is hoping to implement downtown, including ambient sound/ music and a projection system that would switch out images to match up with the seasons and events that are planned in downtown El Dorado.