Regional Communities Invited to Apply for Funding to Enhance Sense of Place 

LANSING, Mich. (April 13, 2023) — Following ten 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 2023 Public Art for Communities (PAFC) Grant Program is open until 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023. LEAP will award one $10,000 grant funded by PNC Foundation in 2023.

Arts and cultural programs, 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 physically enhancing key corridors, gateways and places to spur ongoing economic development, increase opportunities to experience arts and culture and help the region compete for businesses and talent.

“With support from the PNC Foundation, LEAP has invested $290,000 in 39 individual pieces of permanent public art across the three-county region over the past ten years through the Public Art for Communities program. The tangible impact of this program can be seen and felt across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties and continues to bolster our strategic and intentional efforts to attract new businesses and people to the Lansing region,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

In 2015, LEAP formed a partnership with PNC Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education initiatives and economic development, including cultural enrichment programs that benefit communities. PNC's annual $10,000 contribution helped expand the PAFC program to provide two grants per year and will fund the 2023 grant opportunity. 

In 2023, the PAFC program will unveil new permanent art from 2022 grant recipients in the City of Lansing via Prospect PLACE Neighboorhood and Allen Market Place and in downtown DeWitt via DeWitt DDA. Additional past awardees include Meridian Township, Delhi Township, City of Mason, Dewitt Township, City of Dewitt, City of St. Johns, City of East Lansing, City of Williamston, Delta Township, City of Grand Ledge, City of Lansing and the City of Charlotte.

To receive funding, communities must adopt a public art policy. The policy helps communities identify important considerations when investing in public art, including maintenance, installation, insurance, etc. Municipalities, businesses and organizations within Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties may apply. Application scoring prioritizes LEAP community and business members.

Submission guidelines, eligibility and criteria, including the policy guideline template and the RFP, can be found on LEAP's website. Grantees will be announced in June and artwork will be unveiled in 2024. 

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