Bentonville Moves Coalition’s Impact through Community Mini Grants
The Bentonville Moves Coalition’s Community Mini Grant initiative is empowering residents by supporting local artists, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community engagement. Through this program, the coalition awarded $39,100 to 18 Bentonville individuals and local organizations to bring their ideas to life and make a positive impact on the community.
Local Artistic Expressions
Two captivating murals by artist Jes Weiner beautify the city while showcasing the community’s commitment to biking and pedestrian infrastructure. Marley Blonsky’s Bike to School garage mural and the Brookhollow 3rd Street mural are a testament to Bentonville’s vibrant artistic spirit and dedication to a more connected city.
Grant recipient Brooke Bierhaus spearheaded the Brookhollow 3rd Street mural project to pay homage to Bentonville’s rich cultural heritage. The mural’s depiction of buffalo symbolizes the acknowledgment of Quapaw, Caddo, and Osage ancestral land, adding vibrancy and cultural significance to the neighborhood.
Community Event: White Oak Trails Neighborhood
The White Oak Trails neighborhood planned and hosted an event to promote physical activity, community engagement, and the Connecting Bentonville bicycle and pedestrian plan. Residents of all ages and skill levels came together on a Saturday afternoon in October to embrace cycling and foster a sense of belonging and a healthier community.
Promoting Active Transportation
The Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation will promote active transportation awareness in the Indian community. Through existing programming like Natyam and Sapthaswara, the Foundation will showcase Indian traditional art forms, offering an inclusive stage for all ages.
Additionally, a drawing/painting competition titled “Moving in Bentonville” invites children to depict active transportation through art, fostering creativity and engagement. Winners will be announced at the Chai Time event, where the Foundation will share its plans for 2024 and introduce the Indian community to Bentonville Moves Coalition initiatives.
A Look at Some Additional Mini-Grants
The Allencroft Bike Race brought together neighbors on the Allencroft bike trail, showcasing their biking skills and nurturing community relationships. The grant provided prizes, maintained the bike/hiking course, paid for new features, and offered snacks and meals to attendees, enhancing the natural playground of Allencroft.
The Choose Love event on the Bentonville Square celebrated compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and courage. Led by students from Bentonville Schools, Thaden, Haas Hall, and community partners, this family-oriented event engaged more than 2,000 attendees. Students showcased their leadership skills through various booths, offering activities and crafts that embodied the event’s pillars.
The Bentonville Moves Coalition continues to support local initiatives, organizations, artists, and residents with additional grant rounds in 2024. Sign up for our newsletter (with link) to stay up to date on our work and new funding opportunities.
