November 5, 2021
Applications are now being accepted for Salt Lake City’s Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) Fund. The annual program is designed to support and grow neighborhood and community events in Salt Lake City, with awards ranging from $100 to $10,000.
“The ACE Fund is an important tool in cultivating an event-friendly atmosphere in our City. From block parties to large-scale gatherings, we value the community-building and sense of place these community events create,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Coupled with the City’s new special event permitting website, it’s never been easier to host a gathering in Salt Lake City.”
ACE Fund-eligible events are those that:
- Support City-wide economic development,
- Bring arts, education, and technology opportunities to all communities,
- Promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity,
- Protect the local environment and build a sustainable City,
- Create neighborhood and community unity, and
- Support the health and wellness of City residents.
“The City’s ACE funding has been an integral part of keeping our community block party going strong for all these years – eight years and counting!” said Erik Lopez, Chair of the Poplar Grove Community Council. “Without the generous support of the City via ACE funding, Groove in the Grove wouldn’t be here today. Groove allows us to meet our neighbors, host a family-friendly event for the neighborhood, and strengthen everyone’s ties to our community. We appreciate ACE funding to help keep this event going and growing!”
Since the ACE Fund’s beginnings in 2012, more than $1.6 million has been distributed for events both large and small. This year’s cycle will distribute $200,000. 103 awards were distributed for the 2021 cycle, and went toward making everything from mental health fairs and arts festivals, to cultural celebrations possible.
“The Annual Utah Blues Festival’s success would not have been possible without the support of the ACE funding we have received from the Mayor’s Office over the years,” said Tripp Hopkins, Blues Festival Producer. “The Festival is now nationally and internationally known in the Blues world and brings a significant cultural experience to the people of Salt Lake City and Utah. We now have attendees from around the world.”
New and returning applicants are invited to attend an ACE Information Session on November 17 at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. To register, visit https://www.slc.gov/mayor/ace-fund/. Applications are due December 3, 2021, and applicants will be notified of their award status in January 2022.
More information and the application links can be found at https://www.slc.gov/mayor/ace-fund/.