Community Projects & Partnerships

Warm Up

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COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Gaylord is a small northern Michigan rural community that is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Gaylord is on the move with intentions of energizing its community with art and culture that attracts people of all ages, builds a stronger sense of community, and accelerates business in its downtown. The goal of Gaylord is to continue to build a community that fosters an appreciation for the lives and stories of people with different backgrounds. The Art in the Alleyway is one way we hope to help fulfill this goal.

What It will Do for our Community

This initiative will minimize negative rural stereotypes associated with the "lack of..." by creating an outdoor community gathering space where differences in our human experience are highlighted through artistic installations designed to foster discussion in a welcoming social setting.

What is It?

This project is unique to the community because its focus is on connection: Geographic, economic and social. It transforms a 3-block downtown blighted alleyway into a gathering space that will connect the Iron Bell trailhead (west end) to the Claude Shannon Park (east end). It will also encourage individuals visiting the downtown social district to take advantage of the restaurants and businesses located in this area.

Who is Involved?

Art in the Alley is founded on collaborative efforts throughout the community. Some of the key supporters include:

Downtown Development Authority
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Merchants Association
Many local businesses and restaurants.

How can I help support this project?

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from Consumer's Energy, Phase I of this project is now moving forward. We are currently working with local business owners to develop renderings for specific areas within the alley. If you would like more information on how you can get involved in helping to bring this project to completion, please feel free to contact us.

Street Art...Renovating the City of Gaylord's Ramp (skate) Park

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts has partnered with Rise, the City of Gaylord and local professional muralists to provide an opportunity for young people ages 14 - 17 to clear the ramp park of current graffiti, learn the artistry of contemporary street art, and bring beauty and expression to the area in the form of murals.

Why the Ramp Park?
The Gaylord Ramp Park was relocated by the City of Gaylord in 2015. Over the past six years, with lack of security in place, the ramp park has been subject to increased vandalism and become a spot local law enforcement has identified as a risk for drug activity.

Goal of the Project:
Engage local youth and young adults in alternative activities that provide a platform for their voice to be heard, build a stronger connection with the community and re-establish the ramp park as a safe place for youth to enjoy. Additionally, security cameras will be installed for local police to ensure the space is being used as intended.

Funding for the Project:

This project is funded from the Coalition Support & Community Change Program through Prevention Network, with monies from SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant COVID Supplemental, through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. These activities are also supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.