FIA Receives Capital Grant From Consumers Energy Foundation

Flint – A $29,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation will allow the Flint Institute of Arts to help complete the final phase of a multi-year roof replacement project.
The half million dollar project replaced nearly 50,000 square feet of ballasted roof systems over the original building. The project included many sections of roof above collections management which includes the main art storage vault and permanent collect ion galleries.
The galleries present artwork of ancient peoples including Art of the Americas, Africa and Asia, as well as galleries that house 17th-18th century European Art, Reference Library, Theater and works on paper collection. The roof was also replaced above the Art School studios and administration offices.
"The Consumers Energy Foundation continues to enrich the communities they serve through grant making," said John Henry, Director of the Flint Institute of Arts. "The Foundation's funding of the FIA's roof replacement project speaks to their dedication to arts and culture and their belief in the importance of maintaining a sound building through capital support for our community's cultural institutions."
"The FIA provides an important role in enriching the lives of the Flint and Genesee County communities," said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "We are pleased to do our part to ensure this community treasure will continue to safely house and display art for the next generation of children and community members."
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community and civic development, culture and the arts, social services, the environment and emerging issues. Michigan nonprofit organizations received more than $10 million from Consumers Energy, its foundation, employees and retirees.
The Flint Institute of Arts is located just two blocks off I-475 in the Flint Cultural Center between the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College. For more information, call 810.234.1695 or visit http://FlintArts.org.