Contact:
Kathleen Achtenberg, MEDC
517-489-0557
[email protected]

Jarran Fountain
Director of Programs, Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts
517.899.8769
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2024

$50,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Image Credit: Topher at Don’t Feed the Ducks

LANSING, Mich. – The Neighbors of Belknap Lookout and Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts are collaborating on a series of new public art initiatives on Grand Rapids’ North side through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the local nonprofit Neighbors of Belknap Lookout announced the campaign today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by August 22nd, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/grandrapids.

“Public Art has the capability to transform blank spaces and invite people into a space to gather and spend time,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

These public art initiatives in northeast Grand Rapids aim to invite residents and visitors to slow down and engage in spaces throughout the neighborhood’s parks and thoroughfares. This effort will complete several initiatives including two large scale murals, five crosswalk murals in the Creston Neighborhood, two After Dark Creative Markets, a Creative Placemaking for the Plaza event, and will also complete several Grand Rapids Parks Equipment and Installation Activations with GR Parks & Rec in the Belknap & Creston neighborhoods.
Image Credit: Topher at Don’t Feed the Ducks

“Lions & Rabbits’ mural work has been transformational for the Creston Neighborhood covering our empty walls with beautiful colorful local art,” said Bradley Hartwell, a Creston resident and community member. “The events LRCFA puts on are some of the most fun, diverse, and inclusive I’ve experienced in Grand Rapids. They’ve effectively created an ecosystem connecting artists to projects where they’re compensated and prominently displayed for the whole community to enjoy. I’ve personally purchased artwork from artists LRCFA has connected me to and met some of my most interesting friends at their events.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“Art helps bring people together,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “It allows us to think deeper and connect with the world and those around us. This project’s commitment to inclusion and supporting local artists is a great example of how to cultivate thriving communities.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of July 18, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $12.9 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 385 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $14.8 million raised from 72,328 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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