Chattanooga's new Neighboroots program launches to help celebrate neighborhoods' legacy

Last Tuesday, local residents brought their ideas for a new project to showcase Chattanooga neighborhoods' diverse history.

Presented by Mayor Andy Berke, the Neighboroots program will provide funding for public art installations, historical markers and performances within the city to preserve and honor the legacy and cultures of individual neighborhoods.

"Each neighborhood has a story to tell. There are good guys and heroes, but there are also villains. There are great stories of accomplishment. There are also stories of loss," Berke said to a crowd of community leaders and residents at the Carver Youth and Family Development Center. "We need to make sure that in our city we share all those stories, because those are what shape the neighborhood."

Mayor Andy Berke

Members of the public are invited to submit ideas for public art projects, performances and historical markers that celebrate the people, places and moments that define their neighborhood. Applicants will be evaluated by a committee of local neighborhood leaders and historians, and winners will receive funding from the city to implement their project.

The city will accept applications every six months and select top projects to be completed using funds from the neighborhood reinvestment fund, which was established in 2018 for the betterment of individual communities.

"The history and love that grows in our community, our little kids need to know these things," said District 8 Councilman Anthony Byrd. "I think this initiative is going to be one of the main reasons we can hold on to those legacies and histories."

In the first round, the city will fund:

» Three historical markers at around $5,000 each with costs for a historian, sign design, fabrication, and installation.

» One $2,500 performance grant.

» One public art project for FY20, the cost of which will vary by proposals and will come from the 2.5% of the general purpose fund allocated for public art.

The first application cycle is open until Sept. 6. Applications can come from individuals or groups. More details and online applications can be accessed at connect.chattanooga.gov/neighboroots.

Email Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com.