City of Lansing Continues Investing in Arts and Culture

The Lansing Regional Chamber announced on Feb. 9 that the city of Lansing awarded $120,000 to support creative placemaking efforts. Mayor Virg Bernero was joined by Bob Trezise of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and Deborah Mikula of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing to announce the investment.
The 2016-2017 Sense of Place in the Arts Program grant and project announcements include a $75,000 Arts Impact Project, and grants awarded to four local arts and cultural organizations totaling $45,000. The Sense of Place in the Arts Program is funded through the city of Lansing and administered by LEAP and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.
In addition, an official rendering of the 2016 Arts Impact Project to be installed this summer at Museum Drive in downtown Lansing was unveiled, according to a press release.
"The City of Lansing is proud to continue investing in arts and culture because it helps create a 'sense of place' that is part and parcel of our economic development efforts," said Mayor Bernero. "These new projects and programs are impressive, immersive, and creative. In conjunction with my Block by Block (B3) neighborhood revitalization program, I'm particularly excited to see the 2017 Arts Impact Project placed in southwest Lansing, which is a B3 neighborhood of focus."
The Arts Impact Project this year was selected from more than 15 proposals at an open forum, and will be placed in southwest Lansing, likely near the intersection of Pleasant Grove and Holmes Road. The project was proposed by Kathie Dunbar, at-large council member, and will be designed and constructed by local artists David Such and Fred Hammond.
"Partnering with the city of Lansing and LEAP to administer these project dollars is representative of the ways that artists, arts organizations and municipalities can collaborate to put creativity at the forefront of economic development," said Deborah E. Mikula, Arts Council executive director. "These grant projects and the Arts Impact Project work to provide metro Lansing residents with accessible arts experiences and help to build a sense of pride in our communities."
The grantees are Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Refugee Development Center, and REO Town Commercial Association.
"Supporting and increasing access to arts and culture is a critical component of successful economic development," said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. "Placemaking projects and programs such as these represent opportunities for families and individuals in the region and across the globe to explore and grow intellectually. It's this global culture that will help us attract and retain the best talent and businesses in the world."