In the City

THE CITY

CITY AWARDED $90K FOR FREE MUSIC SERIES

Mayor Mike Purzycki and Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz announced in November that the Levitt Foundation, a social impact funder supporting nonprofits nationwide at the intersection of music, public space, and community building, has awarded Wilmington’s Cityfest, Inc., a multiyear Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $90K in matching funds to present a FREE outdoor music series (20232025). The City’s newest music event will be held at the new Urban Artist Exchange (UAE) Amphitheater beginning next year.

Mayor Purzycki and Director Betz thanked the Levitt Foundation for its support of Wilmington’s continuing commitment to enriching the City and its residents through Wilmington’s love of music and its rich history of nurturing musicians of all genres. The Mayor also congratulated Tina Betz for her hard work to bring this grant to Wilmington.

“When we first entered into the agreement that created the Urban Artist Exchange,” said Mayor Purzycki, “Tina Betz and I imagined UAE would be a distinctive destination known for welcoming creative people and using the arts to transform the East Side physically, socially, and culturally. I noted several months ago that this incredible space has already exceeded all expectations, and we are just getting started. This multi-year matching funds award from the Levitt Foundation to present a free outdoor music series at the beautiful new amphitheater just confirms that our original transformational vision was on target, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds for this site.”

Cityfest will present the inaugural Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series at The Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater, a key element in the city’s holistic re-imagining of a long-abandoned area into a thriving arts center. Located on Wilmington’s East Side, the music series will invest in the artistic equity of the city, helping to reshape the community’s identity, stimulate civic engagement, and inspire economic growth through the power of free, live music.

The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000 people. In April, the Levitt Foundation invited nonprofits to submit proposals that would reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP awards: Amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public Places.

Cityfest will present the inaugural Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series at The Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater.

PUBLIC ART PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHES

CITY MOURNS COUNCIL MEMBER GRAY’S PASSING

Mayor Purzycki and Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz joined representatives from the Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Division of the Arts, elected officials and guests at 7th and Shipley streets on Nov. 17 to announce the launch of the Public Art Stewards Training Program. This workforce training and city beautification pilot program will train Wilmington residents to clean, conserve, and document 30 public works of art in downtown Wilmington and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mayor Purzycki helps to launch the Pubilc Art Stewards Training Program in Downtown Wilmington last month.

Mayor Mike Purzycki issued the following statement regarding the passing of Council Member Linda Gray, who died following a short illness on November 5, 2022:

“Wilmington is again mourning the loss of a public servant. Linda Gray, who served as the City Council member for the people of the 1st District, passed away last night. Her husband, Harold, announced her sudden and unexpected death Linda Gray saying Linda had contracted pneumonia just in the past week. Her death is sad and a shock to us all. We send condolences to Harold and their family. Linda was a former magistrate court judge, the former President for many years of the Brandywine Hills Community Association, and was a proud member of City Council. Linda will be missed by many. We are thankful to her for the years she gave to make her local community and Wilmington a better place to live. We offer support to Harold, a former Wilmington Economic Development Director and current Commissioner of the State Public Service Commission, as he grieves. Linda and Harold were devoted to each other and to serving the public. They were a wonderful team. I have directed that City flags fly at half-staff to note Linda’s passing, to celebrate her life, and to commemorate her service to the people of Wilmington.”