East Lansing has a new artist's co-operative, thanks to a promise
from the City of East Lansing’s Cultural Entrepreneurship Program (CEP) to give
the artists $50,000 over the next three years.
Woven Art owner Nancy McRay has organized an artist
co-op, which will be funded in part by the CEP.
The grant will help co-op members with their rent. The
idea is that by the end of year two, the co-op will be self-supporting and
self-governing. In the mean time, the CEP will help aspiring artists pay for
work space, get their work displayed and learn about the business side of being
an artist.
The first six co-op members will pay monthly fees for
their space and will help manage and oversee the co-op. More artists will join
at a later date.
“Cities and communities across the country are looking at
arts-related businesses as a means to improve economy and make communities more
attractive to families and professionals of all ages and backgrounds,” says
East Lansing Mayor Victor Loomis. “The Artist Co-op will encourage and support
artist entrepreneurs, while creating another unique and compelling destination
in our downtown.”
Source: Mikell Frey, City of East Lansing
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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