2021-609-E-Arts Commission-KIDZU-Restart the Arts

Browse Search

Please explain your intended use of a Restart the Arts Grant, if awarded. Restart the Arts funding is requested to help Kidzu continue to meet its mission, and use the arts to engage children in creativ e and intentional play within the on-site museum, as well as v irtually. The arts are at the core of all we do, and the primary captiv ator of imagination and full-on engagement for the children and families we serv e. Funding would be used to support these critical activ ities, which welcome families to explore creativ ity and artistic expression together. Additionally, Kidzu is on the precipice of a multi-phase expansion that will triple the size of the current museum, while inv esting in an infrastructure to reach children and families throughout our State. The museum is currently in the midst of its first phase expansion with The Nest, an early learning lab and dedicated exhibit and program space for infants, toddlers, and those who care for them. W hile the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly delayed the opening of this env ironment, we are planning for a late Fall 2021 phased opening, with a more comprehensiv e opening starting in early 2022. As our larger museum was designed in collaboration with local artists, we hav e taken the same approach to designing and curating our Nest space. Kidzu is currently working with sev eral different artists to enrich the space and guide future arts-based programming for babies, infants, and their caregiv ers. W e will continue to work closely with local artists as we finish the build-out of the exhibit, and plan for our opening. Restart the Arts funds will be used to support the artists we are working with in this space (both personnel and material costs), as well as support Kidzu staff members who are facilitating this process. DocuSign Envelope ID: 18FE1632-1968-4813-8295-6CB28BF1FBB7