Building on six successful years of growing a regional collection of permanent art pieces, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is pleased to announce the Request for Proposals for LEAP’s 2019 Public Art for Communities Grant Program is now open. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019.
Since the program began in 2012, LEAP’s Public Art for Communities Grant Program, with strong support from the PNC Foundation, has awarded 18 $10,000 grants to 11 communities across the region to place permanent public art in strategic locations across the region. Past awardees include the City of Mason, Dewitt Township, City of Dewitt, Meridian Township, City of St. Johns, City of East Lansing, Delta Township, Delhi Township, City of Grand Ledge, City of Lansing and the City of Charlotte.
This year, LEAP seeks to add three more installations to the existing 26 public sculptures funded through Public Art for Communities grants. Photos of LEAP funded sculptures [purelansing.com] from past award years can be found on the LEAP website.
“In partnership with PNC and our local communities, LEAP’s Public Art for Communities Grant program has made a significant impact on increasing access and exposure to arts and culture across the region,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “These pieces add to the international essence of the Lansing region and they play an important role in shaping the programs and place that attracts businesses and talent.”
Arts and cultural strategies, such as LEAP’s Public Art for Communities Program, are strategically designed to create a sense of place where both existing and potential people and businesses can see themselves living, working and growing. A key strategy in accomplishing this goal includes the physical enhancement of key corridors, gateways and places to spur ongoing economic development and increase opportunities to experience arts and culture.
In order to receive funding, each community must adopt a public art policy. The policy helps communities identify important considerations when investing in public art including maintenance, installation, insurance, etc. Eligible applicants will be any municipality, business or organization within Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. The LEAP Placemaking Committee will consider each application and three communities will each be awarded a $10,000 grant. Scoring of applications will be weighted toward LEAP community and business members.
Submission guidelines, eligibility and criteria, [purelansing.com] including the policy guideline template and the RFP, can be found on LEAP's website. Grantees will be announced in March and artwork will be unveiled in October.
