The city of Hamtramck will soon see an iconic, outdoor folk art installation restored and receive an artist’s residency program and gallery space through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Hatch Art announced today. The “Save Hamtramck Disneyland” campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by August 20, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MSHDA and MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.Patronicity.com/SaveHamtramckDisneyland.
“Preserving and enhancing iconic public spaces like Hamtramck Disneyland is what makes the Public Spaces, Community Places program so valuable,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We are excited to be able to resource and partner in maintaining places like this that benefit both the neighborhood and its’ visitors.”
Funds raised through this campaign will restore and build upon this residential landmark, located on Klinger Street in Hamtramck. The two properties that house the art installation need to be renovated and updated, and an international artist residency program will be established for creatives who produce community driven installation art. Once the famed artwork is stabilized and secure, it will continue to be publicly viewable at any time and be more accessible to visitors.
“Supporting this project will help make possible the tremendous amount of work needed to restore and improve the properties and art installation at Hamtramck Disneyland,” MSHDA Executive Director Kevin Elsenheimer said. “By preserving this local icon it can be shared with the community and visitors for many years to come.”
Hatch Art will further engage with the public through regularly scheduled visiting hours hosted by a docent to guide the viewer’s experience through the history and artistic significance of the work. Hatch Art will also program special events at the site, using one of the garages below the artwork as a public exhibition and engagement space.
“Hatch Art is pleased to announce a partnership with Patronicity, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority,” said Scott Collins, board director of Hatch Art. “With the MEDC/MSHDA matching grant program we can double our resources for maintaining and continuing the legacy of ‘Hamtramck Disneyland’ for future generations of Hamtramck residents and tourists alike.”
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, MSHDA, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where local 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, non-profits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
Source: MEDC