With Support From PNC Foundation

After nine 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 2022 Public Art for Communities Grant Program is open until 5 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2022. LEAP seeks expand the existing 36 public sculptures funded through Public Art for Communities by awarding two $10,000 grants in 2022.

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 and increase opportunities to experience arts and culture.

“LEAP’s Public Art for Communities grant program builds on the human diversity of our region to create a sense-of-place that inspires and attracts new businesses and people to the Lansing region,” said Bob Trezise, president, and CEO of LEAP (left). “The impact of this program can be seen and felt across the three-county Lansing region. We’re excited to continue our partnerships with PNC and local communities to bring more exceptional permanent public art to the region for all to experience.”

Since 2012, the PAFC grant program has invested $270,000 across the three-county Lansing region, awarding 27 grants to fund 36 individual permanent art installations of varying mediums. 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 program and the number of pieces funded each year.

Past awardees include the 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, 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. 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 March and artwork will be unveiled in October.

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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all--working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region. 

SOW is a new art sculpture located the farmers market in Meridian Township funded in part by a LEAP Public Art for Communities Grant.