Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for 'Civic Center Campus Art Walk'

$47,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. - The Charter Township of Shelby Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will create an art walk on the township's Civic Center Campus. The project will create a barrier-free, fully accessible space that allows residents and visitors of all abilities to enjoy fine art along the planned art walk, including the Beacon Tree sculpture designed by Detroit artists Erik and Israel Nordin. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaignthat the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Charter Township of Shelby DDA announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $47,000 by October 30^th, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/beacon.

"When public spaces can combine recreation with public art and a welcoming space, the result is a community gathering space where people want to spend time and commune," said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. "The new Civic Center Campus Art Walk will do just that, and we are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program."

The Shelby Township Civic Center Campus is a vibrant hub for the community, anchored by the state-of-the-art Shelby Township Library, a center for learning, creativity, and programs for all ages. The campus is also home to Heritage Lake and Heritage Garden, which welcome residents and guests for traditions such as homecoming and prom photos for regional high schools, as well as weddings, anniversaries, and other special gatherings.

This new Art Walk will create yet another space for gathering within the Civic Center Campus and will engage folks with local artwork and the existing beauty within the campus. The funding from this campaign will complete art walk with the installation of the Beacon Tree sculpture, lighting, seating, landscaping, a walking trail, and universally designed and barrier free features to provide mobility and ease of the Civic Center Art Walk. The Beacon Tree Sculpture is a key part of the Art Walk and the broader strategy to create and activate a dynamic public space that draws people to the DDA district, generates business activity, and attracts future investment in Shelby Township.

Rendering Credit: Shelby Township Communications Department

"This is a fantastic community opportunity to participate and activate the Civic Center Campus with fine art," said Greg Gagnon, DDA Board Chair. "The true meaning of the Public Spaces and Community Places program is at the heart of this project, creating a vibrant space with accessibility features that will allow everyone to experience and appreciate visual art."

Public Spaces Community Placesis a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

"The Michigan Municipal League is a passionate supporter of placemaking projects happening around our state," said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the League. "The Civic Center Campus Art Walk is a wonderful example of placemaking, as it showcases unique artworks while also creating an accessible third space for residents to connect with their community. This art walk will enrich not only the Civic Center Campus, but all of Shelby Township."

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of August 25, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $14.5 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 419 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.6 million raised from 76,846 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit https://www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at https://www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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