Dearborn, EDDDA in Talks With Artspace
Sunday, April 25th, 2010
The East Dearborn Development Authority (EDDDA) tells us it is partnering with the City of Dearborn to explore a new and creative approach to a potential economic development project with Artspace, the nation’s leading nonprofit real estate developer for the arts.
The next step, however, requires community input. That’s where Dearborn residents can help. An Artspace discussion will be held on April 28, 9 a.m. – noon, in the Dearborn City Council chambers. An Artspace representative will conduct a presentation and question and answer session with the city and residents.
The EDDDA tells us that the Artspace mission is to “create, foster and preserve affordable space that serves the needs of artists and arts organizations of all disciplines.” This in turn helps the continued growth of the arts in our community.
Dearborn has a distinct and vibrant marketplace of people, food and cultures as well as the $70 million mixed use development under construction at Michigan and Schaefer. So the EDDDA is well positioned to support an innovative and creative project such as the proposed Artspace.
Melissa Kania of the EDDDA says the arts and cultural industry is one of growth and has a direct economic impact on the community. She says nonprofit arts and cultural organizations support more jobs then other fields such as accountants, lawyers, public safety officers or teachers. And, she says, the arts and culture industry attracts audiences, increases tourism, spurs business development and generates revenue. That’s all good business.
To learn more about Artspace and its success in other communities, you can visit their website at www.artspace.org The scope of this Dearborn project will require a solid strategy and community involvement from all sectors: financial, civic, arts and culture for this to be successful. So if you can join the meeting on April 28, please do so.