Should they receive the funds from the grant, Ushe says they will look to invest in individual talent. The Arts Garage features artists from jazz, the blues, classical, hip-hop, along with film, art, dance and visual arts.

Just as diverse as the art forms practiced at the Arts Garage is Ushe’s background. Originally from the former Soviet Union, Ushe spent most of her adult life in Washington, D.C. Before moving to Delray Beach, she lived in New Orleans.

“We represent fantastic talent, whether they have decades and decades of experience or just coming out of school, the incredible talent is what we showcase,” Ushe said.

Text 2 to 305-767-2200 to vote for the Arts Garage.

FUNDarte

Ever Chavez founded FUNDarte in 2003, nearly 10 years ago, when he saw the need for contemporary Hispanic work in music, theater, dance, film and visual arts.

“We saw the hunger of the artists here waiting for those performances like the ones that we knew,” Chavez said in an interview conducted in Spanish.

Originally from Havana, Chavez moved to Miami in 2000.

“Here you are more free, more independent. There is no censorship, and you can do whatever you think is best for the community,” Chavez said. “But, being independent you are responsible for everything and for finding money for your work.”

Chavez, if awarded the money, hopes to “strengthen the local performing arts by providing seed funding for new works for local companies and artists,” according to the video posted on the KnightArts.org page.

He hopes to show new artists the steps needed in order to succeed, similar to those he learned when he first came from Cuba.

“We teach them the steps, and how they will present the art,” Chavez said.

Text 3 to 305-767-2200 to vote for FUNDarte.

LAB Miami

Wilfredo Fernandez, co-founder of LAB Miami, helped start the collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and creative professionals along with the help of two high school classmates.

Elisa Rodriguez-Vila and Daniel Lafuente, also co-founders of LAB Miami, all began the project nearly a year ago.

The three knew each other in middle school and later attended high school at Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove. After attending college out of Miami, the trio returned to Miami.

“We decided to go back to Miami and give back to the community and try to make it a place where young and old talent can get together and start businesses,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said they were drawn to the Wynwood community, which is where their space is.

“It was amazing to see how it’s evolved here in the past five years. It’s one of the most unique neighborhoods in the world. It’s got amazing energy, we love working here.”

Should they receive the grant, their plan is to bring together creative professionals and “techies” for a three-day art “hack-a-thon.” They will develop applications and websites to enhance the delivery of local art to users. “Our mission is to grow,” Fernandez said.

Text 4 to 305-767-2200 to vote for LAB Miami.

Urgent, Inc.

On the door of Urgent, Inc.’s Overtown’s headquarters, reads the organization’s statement, “Empowering young minds to transform their communities.”