East Dearborn DDA launches survey for potential art space

Thursday, November 11, 2010 | Source: Metromode

A partnership between the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and national nonprofit Artspace may bring about some creative art space for the community.

But first, you have to take the survey.

Artists working in all media, and those involved with arts organizations, are asked to take a survey to help Artspace developers understand the living, studio, and business space for the greater Dearborn area's art community. The survey went live earlier this week with a public launch and will continue through Jan. 4.

Melissa Kania, a spokesperson for the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, says in an e-mail that Dearborn has a deep-rooted and well-established arts and cultural community, including the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, Artist Society of Dearborn, and the Dearborn Community Arts Council, not to mention attractions like The Henry Ford and the Arab American National Museum.

The idea of a shared art space came about about two years ago, when former EDDDA executive director Michael Boettcher engaged Artspace.

"These activities contribute to the continued growth of the arts community, thus enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community," Kania says. "We invited Artspace to Dearborn to begin the process of building community support for the creation of affordable live/work space for artists and arts organizations and nonprofit organizations -- creative businesses, if you will."

The survey's primary goal is to feel out the size of the market for affordable live/work space, as well as the need for working studio and rehearsal space.

"An Artspace project would be a catalyst for redevelopment as well as a critical need for artists and their families," she says. "The impact of an Artspace project could be profound in Dearborn, particularly where multiple vacant or underdeveloped and underutilized sites exist and where a creative community has already taken root. These kinds of projects often provide a sign of progress that can act as an additional incentive for other kinds of development."

She can take questions about the survey at (313) 943-3141.

Source: Melissa Kania, East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kristin Lukowski