With ten days remaining, we have met our campaign goal of $50,000, which will be matched by $50,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Now you can help us unlock another match of $15,000 from the Green Brick Foundation.
“We’re so excited to be at this point—after four years of planning, and over a year of construction—we’re now in the last stage of making the Alluvion come to life” says Brad Kik, co-founder and co-director of Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology. “This is a space by and for the community, and community funding is a key part of its success.”
Located in the Commongrounds Cooperative currently under construction at 414 E. 8th Street, The Alluvion promises to welcome national acts while also supporting local artists. “This isn’t a room that only opens in the evenings and weekends,” said Andrew Lutes at Commongrounds. “Our goal is to make the room open and available for use all day, all week, all year.” Alluvion coordinators are working to balance ticketed evening performances with free concerts, support for young and emerging artists, space to rent to local arts organizations and other community arts uses.
This stretch goal of $65,000, matched by a $15,000 grant from the Green Brick Foundation, will provide an additional $30,000 to invest in support for musicians and other artists in the space.
Andrew Lutes notes “an important goal for the space is to become ‘rider proof,’ meaning our venue meets the highest standard for almost any touring band. This $15,000 stretch goal plus the $15,000 match allows us to up our investment in equipment.” Lutes cites the all-important backline—a drum kit, piano, and amp set-up—as the first item on the list. The funds will also support improved amenities for the green-room, so artists have ready access to a kitchen and a comfortable pre-show space.
For the visual arts, additional funding supports site specific installations relating to the four pillars of Commongrounds: food, family, arts and wellness. “Initiatives include working with the Justice and Peace Advocacy Center to create a mural that tells the story of migrant agricultural workers here in our community. As well as, working on land recognition in partnership with the Indigenous Signage Around Town project.” says Jessica Kooiman Parker.