Jeff Dicken, Executive Director, Baltimore Green Currency Association, with winner artist Richard Winchel.

On a windy Friday in late February citizens of Baltimore took another step towards establishing a new mode of currency. Members of the Baltimore Green Currency Organization, Hampden business owners, BNote design contest judges, and Baltimore residents met at Breathe Books in Hampden to reveal the winning designs for the BNote – a local currency for Baltimore that is launching in April of this year. Local currency is a way for people to take back control over their own local economic systems, and to support small merchants who may be their friends or neighbors, instead of big box stores.

The group held a BNote design contest, which they launched in September of 2011 at Hampdenfest. Entries were submitted through the Fall, and a panel of judges selected the winning entry, submitted by artist Richard Winchell. “The quality of the BNote design entries was very high, and our panel had a difficult time deciding on a winner. We’re thrilled with how it’s turned out,” said Jeff Dicken, the BGCA’s Executive Director. The BNote will be available in 1-BNote and 5-BNote denominations and will feature Frederick Douglass and Edgar Allan Poe. A colorful oriole and flying raven appear on the backs, along with other uniquely Baltimore design features.

Photo by Theresa Keil, story by Baltimore Green Currency Association.

Susan Weis-Bohlen

Pre-exchange of dollars for BNote bills will be available through the Baltimore Green Currency website in late March, and BNotes can be used, along with dollars, in April. There are already over thirty businesses that will be accepting and circulating the local currency when it launches, including McCabe’s restaurant, Dave Huber guitar studio, Woodberry Kitchen, Alpha Graphics print shop, Michelle’s Granola, and many more. The current list of participating merchants and service providers is also on the group’s website. The currency is also meant for personal transactions such as yard sales and gifts, or anywhere else we now use dollars.

BNotes will be circulating in communities across the city, beginning in Hampden, Hamilton/Lauraville, Station North, and Mt. Washington, and spreading organically into Highlandtown, Mt. Vernon, Fell’s Point, and wherever businesses take part in our local supply chains. The difference between a BNote and a dollar, say BGCA organizers, is their impact on the local economy where they are used. “National chains draw the wealth out of communities, and a local, no-interest currency is one way to ensure that our money is working for us, and not for the banks,” said Jeff Dicken. “People using BNotes will be thinking about who they are supporting with their money. They will be going to small, independent merchants instead of large corporate chains, and the money they spend will continue to circulate in their community.”

Photo by Theresa Keil, story by Baltimore Green Currency Association.

Jeff Dicken, Executive Director, Baltimore Green Currency Association, with winner artist Richard Winchel.

The Baltimore Green Currency Organization was founded in the Spring of 2010. The vision of the group is the creation of an alternative economy that will strengthen local businesses, create jobs and encourage the formation of local supply chains. This will increase overall sustainability in the area, and reduce the need to truck or fly in goods over thousands of miles, also reducing our use of fossil fuels. The ultimate goal of the group is to provide economic opportunity and increased resilience to communities underserved by traditional economic structures. “Banks aren’t lending to small businesses, and companies are reluctant to hire – this is one way to jumpstart the local economy and take back the economic power for ourselves,” said Dicken.

Photo by Theresa Keil, story by Baltimore Green Currency Association.

Volunteers Michael Henderson and Robin Gunkel

The Baltimore Green Currency Organization has an online fundraiser setup on Kickstarter.org to raise the $8,000-$12,000 needed by March 11 to cover printing costs for enough counterfeit-resistant BNotes to enable wide initial circulation and adoption. To contribute, follow this link. If you want to help get the BNote up and running contact organizers through their website.

Photo by Theresa Keil, story by Baltimore Green Currency Association.

Deadline March 10, 2011

Grants for Arts Projects from The National Endowment for the Arts

To view the guidelines, go to www.arts.gov/grants/apply, select the field or discipline most relevant to your project, and choose Grants for Arts Projects or Our Town from the list of funding opportunities.

Organizations may apply under the following categories:

Art Works: To support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Within these areas, innovative projects are strongly encouraged. An organization may request a grant amount from $10,000 to $100,000. (Two application deadlines: March 10 and August 11, 2011)

Challenge America Fast-Track: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Application deadline: May 26, 2011)
Our Town

Organizations may apply for creative placemaking projects that contribute to the livability of communities and place the arts at their core. An organization may request a grant amount from $25,000 to $250,000. (Statement of Interest deadline: March 1, 2011)

To view the guidelines, go to www.arts.gov/grants/apply, select the field or discipline most relevant to your project, and choose Grants for Arts Projects or Our Town from the list of funding opportunities.

Sign up to be notified of more NEA funding opportunities.