Case Study: Community-Based Art Grant Program

Atlantic City, Atlantic County

Opportunity/Challenges
Sea level rise and coastal flooding are significant threats to residents of coastal areas. According to one report, sea level rise has increased the number of New Jersey homes at risk of frequent flooding by 110% since 1980. Around 27,000 more buildings are likely to flood at least once a year, at a combined remediation price of $15 billion . With these challenges in mind, the Community-Based Art Grant Program aims to raise awareness about the importance of coastal resiliency. The Community-Based Art Grant Program addresses the theme of climate resilience and coastal flooding through original, site-specific artwork with community engagement and events. One example is “ Water Table,” a project displayed in Atlantic City and awarded in the first round of the grant. Created by Nancy Agati and Rebecca Shutlz, the project sought to educate the public about the relationship between water absorption and runoff and coastal resiliency (see right). In Atlantic City alone, sea level has risen 15.8 inches since 1900 and 6 inches since 1980.

Partners
Artists Nancy Agati and Rebecca Schultz, Atlantic City Arts Foundation, NJ Coastal Management Program within the NJDEP, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NJ State Council on the Arts.

Action
“Water Table” was developed to bring awareness to coastal risks and hazards, as well as to inform the public about the impacts and potential actions they can take. Through this grant program, community-based organizations around coastal zones are selected through a Notice of Funding Availability and are partnered with artists selected through a Call for Artists.

Funding/Resources
Funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)’s Enhancement Program Projects of Special Merit (PSM) program.

Results and Benefits
“Water Table” is an in-ground art installation comprised of natural, permeable materials that absorb water more efficiently than the surrounding pavement, which can be observed when it rains. This project was installed in 2021 at Absecon Lighthouse Park in Atlantic City as a permanent installation. It’s been used as part of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s “48 Blocks AC” initiative in which the artists ran a public demonstration workshop of permeable material mosaics like Water Table. It’s also used as a frequent location for school tours and field trips as a demonstration piece. As part of the WE ARE THE RIVER art exhibition that features additional works by Nancy Agati and Rebecca Schultz, Stockton University students will help restore materials that have been washed out in time. The Community-Based Art Grant Program has completed 4 rounds, with 11 of the 16 location installations completed. The 5^th round closes on April 29^th, 2024.