South Florida decides who wins $20,0000 in Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice Award
Voting takes place October 20 through November 17, 2014
Voting is via text message or via the Knight Arts People’s Choice Website.

Starting Oct. 20, South Floridians can vote for one of six small and emerging arts organizations vying for $20,000 as the winner of the 2014 Knight Arts Challenge People’s Choice Award.

As a way to shine the spotlight on smaller groups, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is asking the public to vote by text for their favorite of the six nominees to determine the People’s Choice winner. To vote, the public can text the nominees individual code to 22333 in the U.S. or 747-444-3548 toll-free, through 11:59 p.m. Monday Nov. 17. The effort is part of the Knight Arts Challenge, which funds projects that bring South Florida together through the arts.

FATVillage Arts District: A contemporary art exhibition space in Fort Lauderdale, FATVillage showcases large-scale, interactive works. Right now, the space is only open for its monthly art walks. The prize would help FATVillage open more often, with more programming. (Text VOTE1 to 22333)

HICCUP: The acronym stands for Hialeah Contemporary Culture Project, and the collective works to take art out of galleries and into the streets of Northwest Dade. With funding, HICCUP wants to open-up a basis of operations in Hialeah to launch its works and make the city “a place for creative action.” (Text VOTE2 to 22333)

Ife-Ile: The Afro-Cuban dance troupe wants to expand its annual dance festival, and also to create a musical that is based on the lives and influence of Cubans who came to Miami during the Mariel Boatlift. Through its work, IFE-ILE not only provides a place for Cuban-American artists to practice their craft, but also a place to tell their own stories. (Text VOTE3 to 22333)

Key West Art and Historical Society: The group wants to take the art and history of Key West into schools. One idea, for example, is to take the works of local artist Mario Sanchez, who created scenes of the city, into classrooms as a way to understand the island’s and Monroe County’s history and culture. (Text VOTE4 to 22333)

Swampspace: This Design District gallery run by artist Oliver Sanchez wants to continue to provide an exhibition space that focuses on artistic values rather than profit. The prize would help Swampspace fund more large-scale exhibitions and allow artists to bring their big ideas to fruition (Text VOTE5 to 22333)

Mexican American Council: This long-time community group works to reduce the drop out rate and increase cultural opportunities for Mexican-Americans in South Dade. With funding, the council hopes to open a mariachi academy for students where they can both learn to play instruments and understand Mexican culture. (Text VOTE6 to 22333)