EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has issued a Request for Proposals for East Lansing and Greater Lansing area artists interested in displaying their artwork in downtown East Lansing.
As a part of ongoing placemaking initiatives in downtown East Lansing, four multi-purpose, double-sided, 4’x6’ artwork display panels were installed last spring for a Rotating Artwork Display Program within the public space activation on the north side of the Division Street Garage along Albert Avenue. Since that time, several rotating art exhibitions have been featured in the space, including reproductions of artwork from the MSU Broad Art Museum’s permanent collection and artwork by local students. Now, the DDA is seeking to exhibit artwork submitted by local artists from East Lansing and the surrounding Greater Lansing area, with plans to feature eight selected artists in the space.
“This is a great opportunity for local artists to have their artwork showcased in an outdoor public space that is frequented regularly by downtown East Lansing visitors,” said DDA Chair Mike Krueger. “We are looking forward to seeing the proposals that we receive and unveiling this exciting, new public art installation in our vibrant downtown.”
“This creative placemaking initiative will help increase opportunities for artists to participate in the local economy,” said East Lansing Placemaking & Arts Programming Specialist Wendy Sylvester-Rowan. “Additionally, it will help increase the artists’ visibility through our marketing and promotional support, while also helping to enhance the pedestrian experience in downtown East Lansing.”
Area artists are invited to submit a proposal, including one to three pieces of original artwork, to be considered for this exhibition. The artwork should embody the character of East Lansing and reflect the sense of community that is celebrated downtown. The artwork should also celebrate the City’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; the importance that art plays in defining a sense of place and community; and the diversity of the East Lansing community. All artwork mediums are accepted. Artist proposals are due by Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m., with plans to install prints of the selected artwork by Friday, Oct. 7. At the culmination of the exhibition, the printed artwork will be relocated to a public parking facility or other public property for permanent installation.
Local artists interested in submitting a proposal can learn more here: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/DocumentCenter/View/12638/RFP_Rotating-Art-Dis-Prog-PDF.