DRA invests $309,000

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with leading national arts and government organizations, today announced it will invest $309,000 in the Delta’s arts and cultural sectors to stimulate economic and community development efforts across the Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt.

DRA is providing seed investments for only 16 projects, alongside public and private sector partners bringing nearly $1.6 million in total investment to eight states. The city of Caruthersville is one of those 16 recipients of this grant opportunity.

In August, a grant application was submitted on behalf of the City of Caruthersville. The DRA awarded an investment of $25,000. The total investment is $53,440. In partnership with the Caruthersville Area Arts Council, the city will renovate the Exchange Building in the downtown corridor to establish a cultural arts center and business incubator for Caruthersville and the surrounding region.

The Exchange building was donated on June 30, 2008 by Crysler Investments, Inc. “We appreciate the generosity of the Crysler/Gallian families and look forward to the opportunities this grant will bring once the renovations are complete.”

In order to be in consideration for the grant, a city representative was required to attend a two-day workshop in Wilson, AR. Mayor McGraw attended the workshop placing Caruthersville in line for receipt. In addition to the seed investment, awardees will also receive up to 50 hours of technical assistance, mentoring, and coaching to advance creative placemaking efforts in their communities. 

“The Exchange Building has a great deal of charm and history and is in a perfect downtown location. It is important that we expose our citizens to art and culture, but also provide access and opportunities in starting a small business through the incubator if they are interested in entrepreneurship. This is just one small, but important step for the City of Caruthersville, and the Arts Council….” said McGraw.

For funding details, visit www.dra.gov/creativeplacemaking .