Crowdfunding campaign launched to create the East Lansing Artist Alleys

$45,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of East Lansing today announced a new crowdfunding campaign https://www.patronicity.com/project/el_artist_alleys through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

The campaign will support the creation of two art alleys featuring an East Lansing themed mural, a community created mosaic, games, lighting, seating and tables, and landscaping to enhance the space and create a more pedestrian friendly space.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $45,000 by Nov. 12, 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: www.patronicity.com/ELArtistAlleys.

“Public Spaces Community Places is a great resource to help communities leverage their unique strengths into awesome spaces for the public to enjoy,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We are excited to partner in this project and help enhance these urban spaces.”

The Artist Alleys project will revitalize and redesign two new public spaces in downtown East Lansing. The public spaces are located in the Grove Street alley adjacent to Ann Street Plaza and the pedestrian alley in the 500 block of E. Grand River Avenue. The redesign of the alleys will include new lighting, planters, landscaping, outdoor game tables and chairs and benches. In addition, the Grove Street Alley will include the installation of an East Lansing-themed public art mural and the pedestrian alley will include a multi-generational mosaic art project created by both senior citizens and youth.

“The Art Alleys project will help build connections between visitors and public spaces in our downtown,” said City of East Lansing Community and Economic Development Administrator Lori Mullins. “We hope community members choose to invest in East Lansing through this project, while energizing and activating our public spaces.”

The project is coordinated by a number of community partners, including the City of East Lansing, Michigan Municipal League, Greater Lansing Association of Realtors, the Downtown Management Board, East Lansing Arts Commission, Prime Time Seniors’ Program and the East Lansing Public Schools.

“Supporting this crowdfunding effort will continue to make the Lansing and East Lansing area communities more attractive to individuals and families.” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where 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, non-profits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

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.