Overview
With funding from the Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program, the West 7th/Fort Road Federation launched West 7th VIBE, a community-powered initiative designed to energize the West 7th corridor through a series of public art installations, creative business collaborations, and free, hyper-local events. The VIBE program offers sub-grants to artists and businesses who want to bring vibrancy and visibility to the corridor.
VIBE is designed to amplify neighborhood identity, increase foot traffic, and create inclusive economic opportunities by supporting two types of community-facing initiatives. Applications for both tracks were open in September.
Track 1: Public Art and Artist-Led Projects
This track supports local artists—especially those who live or work in West 7th—in producing temporary or permanent public artworks. Projects could include ideas such as live painting, pop-up galleries, interactive installations, utility box art, etc. All projects must involve a public event and include meaningful community input or participation. Five projects in the first round of applications, and applications are now closed.
Awardees include:
- Karen Sieber - “ The West 7th Memory Project”
- 620 Club – Mural
- Joseph Giambruno/ Joel Terry (Artist)/ Bad Weather Brewing Company - Sculpture and Trellis
- West 7th Arts District - "Color the Corridor" an artistic branding of the W 7th Arts District
- Ethan Smith - “St Paul's West 7th Neighborhood - Past and Present”
Track 2: Free Community Events and Corridor Activations
This track provides micro-grants of up to $1,000 to local businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations hosting free events that draw people to the corridor. Eligible activities could include sidewalk performances, outdoor movies, small vendor fairs, cultural celebrations, seasonal festivals, etc. Four events were awarded funds in the first round of applications. A second round was open, and additional awards will be made.
Awardees include:
- Nine Lives - Collaboration with Pilates for the People
- Bad Weather Brewing Company - Croctoberfest
- Saint Stanislaus Church - West Fest/Turkey Dinner
- RETHINK by Kristen McCoy - Mending Meetup & Mend-Along Clinic Series with RETHINK
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