Artists and sponsors are needed for a public art bench project designed to promote local arts and local artists and to bring art-loving residents and tourists to the Niles community.

The project, called “Park Yourself in Niles — Again,” is being spearheaded by Niles Main Street with the help of the Niles Art Association.

People or businesses wanting to take part can sponsor a bench for $600, which includes a $500 artist stipend.

Although the bench will remain the property of Niles Main Street, a plaque recognizing the sponsor and the artist who decorated the bench will be placed on each bench.

Sponsors may select the artist and approved design on a first come first served basis, based on the order in which Niles Main Street has received the full sponsorship amount. Sponsorship must be submitted by Oct. 30.

Area artists will be solicited and asked to turn in potential designs to the DDA office at Niles City Hall by Oct. 30. The 13 winning designs will be chosen by a committee and the winners and sponsors will be announced in the Niles Daily Star.

Artists will have from Dec. 1, 2015, to March 16, 2016, to complete the bench.

Bench locations within the City of Niles and Niles Township will be determined by the sponsor and will be placed on Earth Day, April 22, 2016.

All proceeds will be used to benefit the Niles Main Street DDA program.

The benches were made in Niles by Tom Hurst, Niles CTE teacher, and local students.

The legs and back frame are made from reclaimed plastic made by Polly Products of Mulliken, Michigan.

For more information, or to become a sponsor or potential artist, contact Niles Main Street by phone at (269) 687-4332. The Niles Main Street office is located on the third floor of Niles City Hall, which is located at 333 N. Second St., Niles.