It’s a new year, which means it’s time to launch new arts projects in the City of Lansing. The Arts Council is proud to partner with the City to administer these grants and am pleased to announce the following grantees who received City of Lansing grants. Photo Credit: Youth campers enjoying the water at Fenner Nature Center’s camps. Coming this year, Fenner Adventure Camp!
Meet the City of Lansing Arts Projects 2026 Grantees
The below organizations were recently chosen as the 2026 grantees for the City of Lansing Arts Projects grants. These grants are designed to support arts organizations and create community-driven artistic projects that capitalize on Lansing’s assets, inspiration and potential, contributing to a “sense of place” for residents, businesses, and visitors. These awards are funded by the City of Lansing and administered by the Arts Council.
All of the Above Hip Hop Academy
Cap City Breaking Jam is an annual “breakdance” competition held at the Lansing Shuffle. Youth and adult dancers from across Canada and the U.S. compete for cash prizes in this all-day event, highlighting Lansing’s riverfront and downtown. The event is free to spectate and will take place Sept. 26th, 2026.
Capital City Film Festival
The Capital City Film Festival funding will support special projects, events, and collaborations presented during the 16th annual festival, April 8-18, 2026, with 5,000 guests projected. The project series will feature partnerships with All of the Above Hip Hop Academy and Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council along with ‘Pride in Motion’ events that will elevate LGBTQ+ stories.
Fenner Nature Conservancy
Fenner will use arts funding to hire artists to create exterior and interior murals that transform high-traffic areas of the Visitor Center into vibrant, educational spaces.
Lansing Children’s Choir
The Lansing Children’s Choir (LCC) will present two community concerts and will also organize the 2026 MADD (Music Art Drama and Dance Camp).
Lansing Symphony Association
The Neighborhood Concerts take music out of the concert hall and bring it directly to the residents of LSO in accessible and welcoming settings. These smaller, chamber-like concerts feature LSO musicians performing in more intimate and familiar venues, such as at a park, chapel, farmers market, or local theater.
Pure Winds
The Young Listeners Program will visit Dwight Rich School, Eastern High School, and Sexton High School and perform for students, lead sectionals and masterclasses, and invite them to attend Pure Winds’ Robin Theatre concerts. This project provides direct music education, live chamber music access, and encourages youth and families to engage with Lansing’s cultural life.
REACH Studio Art Center
Creative Connections encompasses REACH’s free intergenerational arts programming led by local teaching artists. These programs include Walk-in Wednesday, Open House events, and REACH’s participation in community festivals. All these free, inclusive, and accessible programs embody REACH’s core values of creativity, equity, and community.
Read the Press Release.
