Space2Place is a creative placemaking micro-grant competition for Yellowstone County. Big Sky Economic Development introduced this program in 2018 to activate and beautify our public spaces, one small project at a time.
Space is a void. Nothing happens there. We pass through without much thought.
Place is a destination. We want to go there. We want to be there.
Placemaking transforms empty or underutilized spaces into vibrant, attractive, inviting, and memorable places.
Four fundamental elements of placemaking are:
- Access…is it easy to get there?
- Comfort & Image…is it easy to be there?
- Activities…is it fun to be there?
- Sociability…does it promote interaction?
Placemaking is more than just public art. It creates welcoming and engaging places where people want to gather and connect. It enhances walkability, connects people, and activates our community by providing interesting and engaging places.
We have intentionally kept our application process simple and easy. The application is space-limited, so succinctly tell us:
- Who you or your organization are
- What your project is and where you want to put it
- How your project aligns with the elements of placemaking
- How your completed project will impact, activate, and benefit our community
Placemaking Resources:
If you have any questions about placemaking or need some ideas for a project, Google (or any other search engine) is an awesome tool. YouTube is also a valuable resource.
SPACE2PLACE GRANT INFORMATION
Big Sky Economic Development is sponsoring a micro-grant competition for creative placemaking. Groups, organizations, and individuals within Yellowstone County are encouraged to develop and submit their ideas for how they can transform a public space in Yellowstone County into a beautiful, lively, and welcoming place.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL GRANT APPLICANTS
- Open to all residents and organizations within Yellowstone County.
- All completed projects must be visible and/or accessible by the public within Yellowstone County.
- One application per organization per year.
- Must conform with all applicable city and/or county codes and ordinances.
- Grant funds may be used for necessary project materials and contracted services. Recipients are expected to provide volunteer labor to bring their projects to fruition. Grant funds are not intended to be used for planning purposes.
- Past awardees must have successfully completed all requirements of past awards to be eligible to apply.
ABOUT THE GRANTS
- Grant amounts will not exceed $5,000.
- Total project costs should not exceed $10,000.
- Submission deadline: March 7, 2024 by 4:00 PM.
- BSED will create a selection committee to review and score the applications.
- Grant winners will be notified by April 4, 2024.
- Awards will be presented publicly April 18, 2024, at BSED’s Better Off in Billings event.
- Grant funds will be released as expended with proper documentation.
- Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024.
APPLY NOW! Submissions due March 7, 2024 by 4:00 PM
Contacts
Senior Project Manager
Thom MacLean
406-869-8407
Email
Funded Projects
Collaborative Art Alley
Year: 2023
Applicant :
Artist: Billings Community
Location: Alley Behind Big Sky Economic Building
Learn More
Lockwood Schools Welcome Planters
Year: 2022
Applicant: Lockwood School District #26
Location: Lockwood Public School Buildings
Learn More
Laurel Community Square
Year: 2022
Applicant: Laurel Chamber of Commerce
Location: Corner of 1st St and 1st Ave in Laurel
Learn More
Low Ropes at Sahara Park
Year: 2022
Applicant: Better Billings Foundation
Location: Sahara Park
Learn More
Feather Mural
Year: 2021
Applicant: Billings Symphony
Artist: Ellie Swan
Location: South Wall of Sassy Biscuit
Learn More
Welcome Mural
Year: 2021
Applicant: YV Animal Shelter
Artist: Wayne Small
Location: 1735 Monda Rd
Learn More
Skatepark Mural
Year: 2021
Applicant: Tyson Middle
Artist: Tyson Middle
Location: S 27th St
Learn More
Underpass Mural
Year: 2021
Applicant: Southside Task Force
Artist: Elyssa Leininger
Location: N 13th St Underpass
Learn More
Outdoor Seating Area
Year: 2021
Applicant: Broadview Community Center
Location: Broadview
Learn More
Lights Over Broadway
Year: 2020
Applicant: Jule Seedhouse / Lauri Patterson
Location: N Broadway
Learn More
Underpass Mural
Year: 2020
Applicant: Southside Task Force
Artist: Elyssa Leininger
Location: 6th St Underpass
Learn More
Medicine Wheel
Year: 2020
Applicant : Billings Schools
Location: Medicine Crow Middle School
Learn More
Montana Firefighter Memorial
Year: 2019
Applicant: MT FF Memorial
Location: Downtown Laurel
Learn More
N 27th St Pedestrian Mural
Year: 2019
Applicant: MSUB
Artist: Terri Porta
Location: N 27th St as MSUB
Learn More
Shiloh Pedestrian Tunnel Mural
Year: 2019
Applicant : Monica Hill
Artist: Tyson Middle
Location : Shiloh Rd, near St Johns United
Learn More
Greeting From Billings Mural
Year: 2019
Applicant: RotorAction
Artist: Noah Woodring
Location: Pub Station
Learn More
Fractionated Light
Year: 2018
Applicant: Brooke Moore
Artist: Brooke Moore
Location: N 27th St, near Burger Dive
Learn MoreCollaborative Art Alley
Lockwood Schools Welcome Planters
Laurel Community Square
Low Ropes at Sahara Park
Feather Mural
Welcome Mural
Skatepark Mural
Underpass Mural
Outdoor Seating Area
Outdoor Cinema
Welcome Garden
Lights Over Broadway
Underpass Mural
Medicine Wheel
Alleyscape
Bike Pump Track
Montana Firefighter Memorial
N 27th St Pedestrian Mural
Shiloh Pedestrian Tunnel Mural
Greeting From Billings Mural
Bike Light/Mural
Musical Flower
Grassland
Fractionated Light