Could Be Fund
“the spaces that divide us could be the spaces that connect us”
The Could Be Fund was a matching grant program for smaller improvements to public spaces around three areas of concentrated businesses identified in ECIC’s original Innovation Places submission: the Ninth Square, Science Park / Newhallville, and the Mill River District / East Rock.
process
A team of volunteers led an outreach and application review process guided by their articulated values:
Connectivity: Connect three of New Haven’s neighborhoods by activating public spaces with creative projects.
Inclusivity: At every step in the process (leadership, outreach, selection, and installation) we aim to prioritize inclusive practices.
Civic Empowerment: Creating a city made with and through the vision of its occupants.
Joy: Make places where everyone can work safely and have fun.
Place: Focus on relationship-building and build off the work already happening in neighborhoods. Also, work to redefine spaces to feel more safe, welcome, and positive.
outreach
After 3 public meetings and open office hours for potential applicants, 34 proposals were received and 14 were selected for funding. Working with NHIC staff over two years, 10 projects were installed, with a final 11th expected in the spring of 2021. Three projects were not able to be realized due to site challenges that will be featured in upcoming project profiles.
installation
In total, Could Be Fund grants supported 7 murals, an underpass lighting installation, four public amenity projects, an outdoor seating patio, and a skate park. Implemented by a range of partners organizations, CBF projects enlivened un-maintained spaces, drew community participation, and sparked both support and criticism, raising questions about gentrification, community representation, and what it means for plans for public space to be resident-led.
Upcoming project profiles will feature individual installations and dive deeper into these questions as part of our public strategy development for future grants.
During COVID, remaining funding and a sponsorship from United Illuminating was used to hire a local carpenter to make bollards and fencing for outdoor dining at restaurants that couldn’t be served by the downtown terrace program.
press coverage
"Could Be" Fund Turns To Artists As Neighborhood Connectors- Arts Paper
Neighbors Dream Up What Newhallville “Could Be” - Arts Paper
Project imagines what New Haven 'Could Be' - New Haven Register