PRETORIA – The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) has been awarded a R2.1 million grant by the US Consulate-General to implement its “Makers Way” project in the Bertrams and Lorentzville suburbs of the city.

More than 25 local organisations submitted project proposals to the US Mission’s “Urban Renewal: Creative Placemaking” 2018 grant competition.

The JICP’s project was chosen because it would uniquely mobilise multiple community-based stakeholders, local government and the private sector on a public art project that directly involved community members’ participation at every stage, from concept to implementation, and included a robust skills development programme.

It will promote conscientious urban revitalisation in a low-income neighbourhood. Michael McCarthy, the US consul-general, said the US Mission to South Africa had focused energy and resources on working with partners in urban centres and townships to promote social inclusion and economic opportunity.

“We are excited to award the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership a grant that will empower community members,” he said.