Crowdfunding Campaign Launched to Complete GR Dragonflies Downtown in Grand Rapids

$50,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids, Rotary Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and The Right Place have collaborated to launch a unique downtown public art discovery installation—Dragonflies Downtown. This fun, family-friendly public art project includes the design, fabrication, and installation of a series of 27 dragonfly sculptures throughout the downtown shopping district. This effort will be funded through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by October 21^st, 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/dragonflies. 

“Creative projects like GR Dragonflies Downtown inspire future developments and placemakers to think outside the box,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

This project will complete 27 individual site installations, plus one permanent monument dedicating the project. Each dragonfly will be located throughout the downtown area, installed in a way that is somewhat “hidden” and meant to be “discovered” or “found.” Clues to discovering and locating each hidden dragonfly will be located both online and provided by various participating downtown retailers upon request.  

Visitors will need only to scan a QR code or walk into any participating local retailer and will be provided the “Dragonfly Discovery Guide.” To commemorate the launch of this public art project, a permanent monument will be installed on the corner of Monroe Center and Ottawa Ave. dedicating the public art project and serving as an information and education hub for the project. In future years, the City of Grand Rapids plans to partner with various private entities to add new dragonflies, and continue building relationships between the business community, residents, and visitors. 

“The launch of the Dragonflies Downtown scavenger hunt is set to bring an interactive and fun experience to our city, inviting children and families to explore and connect with our vibrant downtown,” said Mayor of the City of Grand Rapids, Rosalynn Bliss. “Through exploration and adventure, we are fostering a sense of community and encouraging everyone to discover the hidden treasures that make our city so special.”  

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. 

“Creating vibrant and thriving downtowns is crucial as we look ahead to Michigan’s future,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “These dragonfly sculptures will add more beauty to downtown Grand Rapids and provide opportunities for members of the community to connect.” 

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 Aug. 21, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $13.1 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 388 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15 million raised from 72,724 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

 

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.