LEAP and PNC Foundation Award $30,000 for the Placement of Public Art
Charlotte, Lansing, and Mason Receive Grants Aimed at Attracting and Retaining Talent
LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) was joined at their REO Town office today by representatives from partner PNC Foundation, LEAP’s Placemaking Committee, and the regional community to announce the 2018 Public Art for Communities grant recipients.
Since 2012, the Public Art for Communities Grant program has invested $180,000 in growing a collection of strategically placed, permanent, public art pieces throughout the Tri-county region, which now includes 24 pieces. The PNC Foundation has been a strong supporter of the Public Arts for Communities grants, contributing $10,000 to the program each year since 2015.
“PNC’s ongoing support of LEAP’s public art grant program reflects our Main Street values and commitment to the communities where we conduct business,” said Timothy Salisbury, PNC regional president for Mid-Michigan. “This program is an example of what can be accomplished through strong public-private partnerships.”
In 2018, LEAP’s Public Art for Communities grant program will award $10,000 each to three communities: The City of Mason, the City of Lansing in partnership with Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI), and the City of Charlotte in partnership with CharlotteRising.
“The psychological effects of blight on a community is devastating, and compromises our ability to retain and attract to talent to the region,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “LEAP’s Public Art for Communities Grant program is an important tool we use to address this reality. Not only do the grants help create an environment that invites hope, pride, and new community members, but it also builds important relationships between the public and private sectors, and community members. All with a focus on creating a place where people can live happier and better lives.”
The grantees announced today will have until October 31, 2018 to structure their programs, release their call for artists and construct and place an art piece. Each community has prioritized a location based on their own placemaking strategies, taking both pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns in to consideration, as well as the business case for attracting talent to their communities.
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business.
Category: Placemaking, Press Releases