Abandoned or underused newspapers kiosks in downtown Lansing will become creative delivery systems that showcase Michigan artists and artistic activities this July and August if a proposed place making project raises the needed funds.
Pop Up Art: Special Edition will redefine inactive public spaces by applying dollars raised through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. Announced in early March, the campaign through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and the
Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center aims to raise $7,500 by March 30. The MSHDA and MEDC will award a matching grant through the Public Spaces Community Program if the project reaches it goal by deadline.
Barb Whitney, executive director for the Lansing Art Gallery, says the sense of place project ties in beautifully with the mission of the gallery to build awareness of the arts and contribute to the vibrancy of the area.
"This project takes art outside the four walls of the gallery and allows people to enjoy the arts in a different way," Whitney says. "We're hoping, too, that the project works in reverse in the sense that people who might never step inside a gallery will be inspired to do so once they see art in public spaces."
Pop Up Art: Special Edition will activate underused newspaper kiosks as lively sites that showcase Michigan artists, provide arts information, offer the chance to purchase art prints and reproductions, and serve as sites for demonstrations. The project will feature five Michigan artists over five weeks at five different repurposed kiosk sites downtown. Demonstrations will take place once a week, with informational pieces on the arts remaining intact throughout the summer.
"We know that the arts are a factor in attracting the attention of all people," Whitney says. "By supporting the arts, our city bolsters the community and creates a sense of place for people who live, work and play here."
About 40 people year-round volunteer to support projects and activities through the Lansing Art Gallery. For more details and to donate to Pop Up Art: Special Edition, click
here.
Source: Barb Whitney, Executive Director, Lansing Art Gallery
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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