614 Beautiful Program

Funder: Neighborhood Design Center, in partnership with the Office of Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla and the Department of Neighborhoods

The 614 Beautiful Program aims to spark responsive and neighborhood-driven placemaking solutions that help beautify places or spaces with community-centric approaches. The program emphasizes that neighbors come together to design, implement, and enjoy the proposed idea.

Geographic Scope: Columbus, Ohio (city-wide)

Focus Areas:

• Placemaking and community beautification
• Public art and murals
• Transit solutions and accessibility
• Food access initiatives
• Signage and wayfinding
• Community gathering spaces

Program History:

• Launched September 2022 (initial pilot)
• First round (2022): 8 grantees selected from ~30 proposals
• Relaunched September 2023 with additional support from Columbus City Council
• Applications closed late October 2023; winners announced before year-end

Recent Award Examples:

• The 161 Task Force: 3D Printed Bus Stop for 161
• South Side Family Farms: Wayfinding and Identification Signage
• Gertrude Wood Community Foundation: Connect 4 community heroes mural
• Franklinton Farms: Artful Interpretive Signage
• Parsons Area Merchants Association: Parsons Avenue Banners
• New City Homes: Sullivant Avenue Murals
• Growing Hearts & Hands Community Garden: Legacy Garden enhancements
• Hilltop Arts Collective: Tell Your Story Mural and Space Activation

Contact:

• Website: www.614beautiful.org
• Address: Neighborhood Design Center, 1445 Summit Street 300, Columbus, OH 43201
• Phone: (614) 221-5001
• Email: info@columbusndc.org

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications typically close in late October
• Winners announced before year-end

How to Apply:

1. Visit www.614beautiful.org for complete application details
2. Submit proposal for community-driven beautification project
3. Proposals are reviewed by jury of creatives, design professionals, and community stakeholders

Jury Evaluation:

• Jury consists of design professionals, creative professionals, and community stakeholders
• Evaluates range of ideas, innovation, and passion to uplift communities
• Considers projects that beautify neighborhoods while addressing broader issues (transit, accessibility, food access, public perception)

Preparation Support:

• NDC hosts virtual information sessions ahead of deadline
• Open Q&A periods available for applicants