Transforming Old Town • Street Art Park Application Needs Your Vote

The Old Town Business Association has adopted the vacant space under the Court Street Bridge in Old Town Saginaw and will turn it into a street art park that will feature works by local artists, making the area a more inviting location to residents and visitors alike. 

“We want to create a space that celebrates the art and culture and creativity which are rampant in Saginaw,” says Amy Spadafore, Secretary for the Old Town Business Association. “This will be an area that residents can take pride in and visitors will want to come to see. Engaging local artists is important for our local economy and for the upkeep of the art.” 

The Association hopes to secure funding for this project through a Bridge Builders Microgrant provided by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation. Awards of up to $5,000 will be given to four communities to engage locally owned businesses and artists in creating new public space improvements, art installations, cultural events, and more to increase visibility for local businesses and bring people back to downtowns and commercial corridors this summer and fall. 

The Court Street Bridge Street Art Project is one of twelve applicants that have advanced to the final public voting round of this grant process. Supporters of this project can vote once per device per day by clicking here.

Voting is open through Friday, July 16. 

“The culture in Saginaw is rooted in our Arts and Culture Community,” says John Vasquez, lead artist on the project and owner of Saginaw Tattoo Company. “Old Town is a place where we can highlight our strengths by showcasing art and cleaning our community.” 

The Court Street Bridge Street Art Project will kick off in September with two clean up days on September 8th and 9th and live painting, competition, and art festival on September 9th and 10th. Residents will be encouraged to visit the space, engage with the artists, and then vote on their favorite finished piece. Winning artists will receive cash prizes. 

More information regarding the event, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to support the Court Street Bridge Street Art Project will be available soon.