A state-sponsored placemaking initiative is helping raise funds for a public art project in the city of Hamtramck.
The
Michigan Economic Development Corporation is partnering with Peace Action Education Fund and
OneHamtramck on the "Bangladesh: Coming to America" mural project in Hamtramck. Organizers will commission muralist MARKA27 to paint a large mural on the east wall of the Bridge Academy West school on the Hamtramck-Detroit border.
The "Bangladesh: Coming to America" mural will be a tribute to Bangladeshi history and culture. Organizers say that the mural will be the first large outdoor Bangladesh-themed mural in the United States. The targeted wall measures 55 by 45 feet.
"OneHamtramck is proud to once again produce a large mural for a community of people who deserve more attention and respect," said OneHamtramck executive director Bill Meyer. "Our previous mural has become a symbol for the Yemeni Arab Muslims that have been severely marginalized since their arrival to the area in the 1950s. It has become a beacon drawing world attention to the existence of a proud and productive community."
The mural project has been announced as part of Public Spaces Community Places, a placemaking program from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Municipal League, and
Patronicity. As a part of the program, mural organizers have until April 15 to raise $22,000 through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. Should they succeed in their fundraising goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will then contribute an additional $22,000 matching grant.
Click here to view the status of the "Bangladesh: Coming to America" crowdfunding campaign.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.