Project Name: Art Takeover Project
ABOUT THE APPLICANT
Are you applying as a:
DDA or CID
What is the entity’s name:
City of Grosse Pointe Downtown Development Authority d/b/a Grosse Pointe Main Street
Website URL
http://www.thevillagegrossepointe.org
Twitter Handle
Facebook Handle
facebook.com/thevillagegrossepointe
Instagram Handle
instagram.com/thevillagegrossepointe
What is the name of the primary contact for this entity’s application/project?
Cindy Willcock
What are their preferred pronouns?
She/her/hers
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Where will your project take place? (please include city/village too)
The Village, Downtown Grosse Pointe
Anticipated project launch date
September 7, 2023
Briefly describe your project idea including your role and any project partners.
The Art Takeover Project, a walkable art exhibition, is a month-long event designed to connect artists, businesses and the community through an art exhibit that spans the entire downtown district, which will be led by Grosse Pointe DDA and Posterity Art Gallery. and numerous artists and businesses.
How do you plan to spend the $5,000 microgrant? Please list and explain the items, services, fees, expertise, etc. that you plan to purchase.
Grant funds will be used for event promotional pieces, including a bound booklet, maps, postcards, posters and advertising, special activities throughout the month-long event including art-themed scavenger hunt, meet the artist events, opening and closing activities. Funds may also be used to assist in the purchase of the first piece of public art to be installed in the district. *Artists and businesses may elect to pay a nominal participation fee, designed to encourage commitment to the project and discourage last-minute cancellations.
Will your project require special permits from the community you are in? For example, anything that requires a street closure or installing a permanent art piece will likely require a special permit from your local governing body or zoning board. If your project is funded, the MML Foundation is happy to help you navigate that process. Please note that all applicants must obtain any necessary permits for their projects, if selected for funding.
Unsure
Rachel’s Notes about the Project
Reviewed 4.26.23. Confirmed member status via Mary Charles. Confirmed artist exists but cannot confirm will be paid. Artist is also first business. Confirmed second business. Confirmed LOS. Artists and business are required to pay to play but general public is not; Helen ruled this okay.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Why does your community need this project?
Access to art activates the imagination and encourages people to pay attention and perceive more deeply the environment they occupy. Main Street Grosse Pointe has made it a priority to expand the mix of activities to create desired experiences that appeal to people of all ages in and beyond our City. Activities that promote walkability and engagement in The Village are key to creating that sense of place and belonging to residents and visitors alike.
How will you engage your community in this project?
Visitors will vote for best in show by visiting and scanning QR codes for each piece of art. This will engage them not only with the art and artist, but with the businesses and downtown as well. Special events during the month will further foster engagement, i.e. an art-themed scavenger hunt and activities geared towards different age demographics.
What do you hope to achieve through this project?
We hope to create the connections that are so important to building a strong downtown, driving commerce and creating that sense of place for the community to come together. Introducing new elements such as art, and public art, while demonstrating the connectiveness that it brings to a community.
How will the project celebrate the community’s diversity? Diversity can include different ages, races, cultures, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and more.
The variety of art and artists will be representative of the community itself and will bring awareness to the diverseness of the community, but will also build inclusiveness through the exploration of what each piece represents to each individual engaging with it.
What resources do you already have to make this project successful? Resources could include things like time, partners, expertise, donated goods/materials/space, matching funds, and more. Please approximate the in-kind value if possible.
The#1 resource is a committed, experienced, talented team. Posterity Gallery already has an event website up, and will be designing maps and organizing artist submissions, a value of over $3,500. Grosse Pointe DDA will coordinate use of public space and businesses/volunteers and other logistics.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist First and Last Name:
Michelle Boggess-Nunley
Artist Website (If Applicable):
http://www..boggessart.com/
Describe the artist’s or artists’ work. This is not about credentials—what do they do as an artist?
Michelle Boggess-Nunley is an international artist, curator, illustrator and specializes in creating some of the world’s most complex maze puzzles.
How will the artist be involved in this project?
Michelle will head up the artist submission process, and curate the exhibit, as well as design maps and other event collateral
Are there other artists involved in this project?
Yes
What are their names and what sort of art form do they practice?
This is an art contest/exhibit and artists submissions are currently being accepted. Final artist list will be available mid-July.
How will they be involved in the project?
They will provide art – 2D or 3D – that will be matched with local businesses and displayed for a month-long art competition/exhibition.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Business 1: Business Name:
Posterity Art Gallery and Framing
Business 1: Business Type:
Art gallery and framing shop
Business 1: Business Owner First and Last Name:
MIchelle Boggess-Nunley
Business 1: Physical Location Address
17005 Kercheval
Business 1: Facebook Page Link (If Applicable)
https://www.facebook.com/PosterityGallery
Business 1: Instagram Handle (If Applicable)
https://www.instagram.com/posterity_frame_gallery/?hl=en
How will this partner be involved in the project?
Co-coordinator of project, will serve as home-base for artist submissions
Business 2: Business Name:
Small Favors Gift Gallery
Business 2: Business Type:
Retail
Business 2: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Kasey Malley
Business 2: Business Physical Location Address:
17112 Kercheval Ave
Business 2: Facebook Page Link (If Applicable)
https://www.facebook.com/SmallFavorsGifts
Business 2: Instagram Handle (If Applicable)
https://www.instagram.com/smallfavorsgp/
How will this second partner be involved in the project?
Host for an art exhibit, help coordinate special events related to month-long exhibit throughout district
Do you have additional partners (business, non-profit, etc.)?
Yes
What are their names?
Businesses can sign up to participate and host art until July 1, and a full list will be available mid-July, but anticipation is 50+ businesses
What role(s) will they have in the project?
Businesses will display art and host associated artists/events in their businesses as well as participate in other project-wide activities
Are they located within the same downtown or business district as the project?
Yes, all participating businesses will be located in The Village, Downtown Grosse Pointe
Will your local municipal government be involved in the project? If so, how?
Our local government may be involved in placing outdoor art pieces. They are always cooperative and supportive of initiatives that engage the community and drive commerce.
Please upload a letter of support on letterhead for your project from your local governing body (mayor, city/village manager, city/village council member).
https://mmlfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/19/Mayor-Letter-of-Support_STedit.pdf
IMAGE UPLOADS
Image Caption 1 (if any): Art Takeover Project Flyer
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Image Caption 2 (if any): Storefront sample where art will be displayed: Posterity Gallery
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Image Caption 3 (if any): The Village – art will fill the windows of businesses
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Image Caption 5 (if any):
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