Creative Body Institute Launches Crowdfunding for Detroit Garden Lab

LANSING, Mich. – The Creative Body Institute is set to breathe new life into a vacant lot, transforming it into a lively outdoor space featuring a public garden and a living classroom aimed at fostering sustainable creative practices in response to climate change. This innovative project is poised for success through a crowdfunding initiative announced today by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Creative Body Institute, utilizing the Patronicity platform.

The project aims to raise $25,000 by June 21st through its crowdfunding campaign. Achieving this goal will unlock a matching grant, courtesy of MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For more information or to make a contribution, visit: patronicity.com/gardenlab.

“The Garden Lab showcases how we can think of community gardens as not just places to grow food or relax but as space to nurture creativity and individuals,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

Eleanor Oakes, President of the Creative Body Institute, emphasized the importance of the PSCP matching grant, stating it supports the creation of a community space in Detroit that will include a pollinator garden and outdoor learning area. “This match is essential to helping Creative Body Institute expand our ability to create a vital laboratory for sustainable art practices and community education. This support ensures the Garden Lab will serve Detroit as a long-term site for ecological stewardship, creative research, public events, and learning opportunities with local artists.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative is a joint effort by the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, leveraging crowdfunding to support community projects across Michigan. Communities, nonprofits, and other entities interested in participating can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“Creating beautiful, accessible outdoor spaces, especially ones that revitalize previously underused lots within a city, is so important to the well-being of Michigan’s communities,” expressed Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “As a community garden, a living classroom, and a place to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, the Garden Lab will benefit everyone who visits. This is what placemaking is all about.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Public Spaces Community Places program has provided over $14.7 million in matching grants for community projects throughout Michigan. The initiative boasts a 97 percent success rate, with 421 projects successfully crowdfunding over $16.7 million from 77,002 donors by April 16, 2026.

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