Crowdfunding campaign launched for ARTpath | Public Art on the Lansing River Trail

$7,500 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – ARTpath on the Lansing River Trail will expand its impact and exhibitions in 2019 through a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center announced today. The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $7,500 by May 31, 2019, 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/artpath.

“The work of ARTpath helps to bring people out to the Lansing River Trail and connect local artists and this natural amenity,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The campaign will allow the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center to connect the public with up to 20 temporary, site specific works of art along the Lansing River Trail through a summer event series. These events include a kick-off launch event, the Mayor's Annual Family Riverwalk, a Mobility Tour with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, a Peace Paddle event and a River Cleanup to engage the community with the artworks along the Riverwalk.

“Crowdfunding offers an accessible opportunity for each individual in our community to support ARTpath. The crucial role of Patronicity and the matching grant from the MEDC will help create awareness for ARTpath and for the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center,” said Lansing Art Gallery Exhibition and Gallery Sales Director Katrina M. Daniels. We are grateful and excited to bring public art to the Lansing River Trail again this summer.”

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.

“Providing opportunities for the community to experience and enjoy public art is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Involving local artists in the ARTpath along a beautiful natural asset is sure to draw in residents and visitors alike.”

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 May 1, 2019, MEDC has provided $6,375,441 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 204 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $7 million raised from 39,030 individual donors.

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.