I HeART Main Street Application (2021/2022)
Join the 50+ Ontario BIAs who have received public art and placemaking support from STEPS!

STEPS will continue to provide Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) with the supports they need to activate their main streets, like:
**hiring artists to create new public artwork,
**(safely) engaging their communities, showcasing local business success stories and
**building their staff capacity to realize placemaking initiatives as part of their main street recovery strategy.

Participating BIAs will be eligible for Main Street Art Challenge prizes valued at $30,000!

Interested BIAs should review program information here: https://stepspublicart.org/i-heart-main-street-bia-program/

SPACE IS LIMITED
APPLICATIONS REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS UNTIL THE PROGRAM IS FILLED
SUBMIT YOURS TODAY!

This next round of I HeART Main Street is made possible with support from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

For more information on STEPS other programming, please visit: www.stepspublicart.org
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BIA Name *
BIA Contact First Name *
BIA Contact Last Name *
BIA Contact Email Address *
BIA Contact Phone Number *
BIA Postal Code *
The pandemic has had unique effects on each BIA. Please tell us the top three challenges facing your BIA main streets as a result of the pandemic. *
Your Main Street Opportunities
Given the rapid turnaround of the I HeART Main Street and the support that we can provide, the following questions help us better understand what is currently taking place or is possible within your BIA. If selected to participate, this information will help us quickly provide tailored support to your team.
If selected, are you able to commit to participating in at least two (2) planning workshops in January 2022. The focus of these sessions may include: developing your placemaking ideas, assessing feasibility, identifying artistic collaborators and logistical planning. *
Who from the BIA team would be participating in these coaching sessions? Please provide a name and role/title. *
While the focus of I HeART Main Street is on short-term DIY interventions, it's helpful for us to understand your vision for the BIA. Please check all of the placemaking activations below that you think could work well in your BIA. If you have other ideas not listed below, please select “Other” and provide us with additional information! *
Required
If you are currently working on any public art or placemaking initiatives, please tell us your plans for between now through 2022 for these projects and what supports you think would help you successfully implement these ideas?
What public art or placemaking opportunities have you already identified in the BIA that you HAVE NOT yet begun working on? If you haven’t identified any specific opportunities, please use this space to share your greatest public space challenges at the moment. NOTE: you are free to include ideas for projects that would take place beyond this program and 2022. *
You must have a minimum of $2000 to contribute to your main street activations to participate in this program in order to ensure the success of your activities and pay equity for artists. This is just a participation minimum and depending on the activations you which to pursue, your minimum may be higher. What BIA financial resources have been allocated for the execution of the proposed activations? *
STEPS knows the importance of communicating with the BIA board of management when undertaking new projects.  Please provide us with how much communication has been conducted around this project. Which of the following best describes the stage at which your at for getting necessary BIA support or approval for use of funds *
If you selected anything other than "I have secured the necessary approvals for the proposed activities and use of funds." above, what would you need to secure Board support and approval of use of funds? Be as detailed as possible.
When is the BIA's next Board meeting? *
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Have you made contact with property or business owners at your desired BIA activation sites about your ideas? *
Have you confirmed the artists who you would like to engage in this work?
Clear selection
If you have been in conversation with artists about this work, please list their names below. If you are currently in conversation with multiple artists for different projects, please indicate which artists you're interested in for what projects by following this format "Jaya Chang (ground mural); Kim Amari (vinyl wrap)". If you haven't yet confirmed artists, please visit our artist roster page (https://stepspublicart.org/artist-roster/) and list up to 5 artists whose work you are attracted to, that way we have an understanding of your style preferences. *
We're anticipating receiving applications from more BIAs than we can support. Please SELECT ALL following that best apply to your circumstances
How can STEPS help? What supports do you hope to gain through your participation in I HeART Main Street?  What aspects of these projects do you feel the least equipped to execute? What do you hope to learn through participating? *
STEPS only has the capacity to adequately support a certain number of BIAs at the same time. Please indicate below your preference for when your activation will be completed (It is important that your selection reflects a feasible timeline informed by how much planning has already taken place - for example, if you are in early stages of concept development, selecting a November activation would not be realistic).  At this time we only have funding to support activations until May 2022, but please let us know if you would be interested in facilitating activations in summer 2022 in case that option becomes available.
Yes - this 100% is me! Its this time or not at all!
Yes - this timing works well for us.
Maybe - a bit unsure about this timing
No - This would not work for my BIA (please provide context below)
ASAP: Late November - December 2021 Activations (i.e. you have all approvals, funds, locations & artists a plan you are ready to actualize or could have one by mid October)
Winter: January - March 2022
Spring: April - May 2022
Summer: June - August 2022 (if approved by funders)
Clear selection
Please help us better understand your scheduling preferences above. Are there reasons why need or would like to complete the activations by a certain date (ex: in time for a local event; deadline to spend funds; weather etc)
Please share any additional information about your BIA that will help us understand your unique need (ex: any accommodations you may require to participate OR challenges to engaging your BIA membership and/or community)
Where did you hear about I HeART Main Street? *
Required
STEPS offers different programs to support BIAs, property owners and community groups which we share through our social media channels (@STEPSpublicart) and monthly newsletter. Would you like to stay in the loop about future opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter? *
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