Since 1986, the Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD) has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. The Arts Endowment is announcing the NEA Mayors' Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative, which will award a limited number of grants, ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, to showcase and celebrate the goals of the MICD during its anniversary in 2011. Mayors know that the arts and culture contribute greatly as core components in building livable and sustainable communities. They have discovered that the art of place-making contributes to their communities' economic and cultural vitality. Mayors also know first-hand that through design and involvement with the arts and cultural activities, citizens engage in a celebration of place and make their communities dynamic places to live and work. Eligible applicants for the NEA Mayors' Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative are cities (or their designees) that have participated in the Mayors' Institute on City Design during its 25-year history. This includes cities that are committed to participate in the Mayors' Institute on City Design during 2010. Statements of interest are due March 15, 2010, and formal applications are due May 10.

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