Art Council receives $20,000 grant for Placemaking Summit

THURSDAY, May — Lansing’s annual Creative Placemaking Summit will get a significant boost this year with a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“These dollars will go a long way in supporting our fifth annual Creative Placemaking Summit, which has been integral to our economic and creative growth in the tri-counties,” Deborah Mikula, the Arts Council’s executive director, said.

It is part of $80 million in grants the national organization is rolling out for community art projects this year.

“These awards, reaching every corner of the U.S., are a testament to the artistic richness and diversity in our country,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Organizations such as the Arts Council of Greater Lansing are giving people in their community the opportunity to learn, create and be inspired.”

For the summit on Sept. 26, Lansing will see over 400 community members and guests learn and exchange ideas with top creative placemaking experts from across the nation, as well as local artists and creatives.

“A lot of time, hard work and passion goes into the application process for this grant, so it is very exciting to see the fruits of our efforts acknowledged by the National Endowment for the Arts. We are extremely grateful for their recognition of our work,” Mikula added.

The summit features sessions, panel discussions, keynote addresses, entertainment, networking opportunities and more.

(For more information on the Creative Placemaking Summit, visit www.lansingplacemakers.org)