Arts Council of Greater Lansing Announces Create PlaceNew Initiative Fosters Placemaking Projects Throughout the Region

Lansing, Aug. 22, 2017— The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is proud to announce its new Create Place consulting program. With funding from the Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative, the Arts Council created its Create Place program to guide area communities in identifying resources for implementing placemaking projects.

“The Create Place initiative allows for ideas to be shared around both the successes and challenges of using the arts as a driver of community and economic development,” said Deborah E. Mikula, Arts Council executive director. “We believe that creative placemaking is at the root of powerful transformation in the Greater Lansing region and that the region is on the precipice of great change. The Create Place program will assist in fostering those transformations in communities all around the region.”

Consulting consists of two meetings in each of the focus communities – the first to bring together key players to brainstorm ideas and the second to outline an implementation plan for select projects. At the end of the two meetings, the Arts Council will provide each group with written documentation, including details of tangible projects and implementation strategies to complete in the next year. The Arts Council will also follow-up monthly with the group and provide technical assistance if needed.

In 2017, the Arts Council will consult with St. Johns, Mason and Eaton Rapids. “The ultimate goal is for each of the communities to define and implement small projects this fall that will revitalize, invigorate and activate public spaces in creative ways,” Mikula said.

If you would like to be considered for our 2018 Create Place consultations. For more information, please contact Debbie Mikula, Arts Council executive director at 517-372-4636 ext. 2 or email debbie@www.lansingarts.org