Elevate

INTRODUCING THE ELEVATE PROGRAM

 

The Ann Arbor DDA’s Elevate Program aims to fund public art and placemaking installations that enhance the downtown experience for all people. The Public Art Commission advises on materials, construction, and other items. The DDA determines project focus, location, and oversees installation and maintenance. The City approves installation.

Program Goals

Our program will elevate:

  • History and Storytelling
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Play, Interaction, and Creativity
  • Placemaking 
Photo of a colorful mosaic

WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?

People strolling on pavement through downtown Ann Arbor

Placemaking is about designing cities for people and strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. It celebrates and enhances a unique quality of place – helping make ordinary or utilitarian features opportunities for community connection.

ELEVATE PROJECT LIST

OSCILLATION

Girl looking at crystal in Oscillation exhibit

GIANT CRYSTALS THAT COME ALIVE THROUGH MOVEMENT

Created by The Urban Conga and powered by Creos, Oscillation is an interactive installation that uses sight, sound, and movement to spark community activity and social interaction through play. The installation acts somewhat like a theremin, an unusual musical instrument that you can play without touching it. As you walk toward the piece, it plays different sounds and pitches depending on your distance from it. And as you move and dance around it, colors reflect and refract light in different ways based on your angle and position. 

DURATION: Temporary, Jan. 17 – Mar. 16, 2025

LOCATION: Liberty Plaza, at the corner of Liberty and Division

 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ELEVATE PROJECTS COMING TO DOWNTOWN IN 2025

Flower mural on side of building

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Elevate Booklet cover

For more specific information about the Elevate program, including the program overview, processes and procedures, funding, installation, maintenance, and more, please refer to this comprehensive document.

MEETINGS

Board Meetings

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 12 Noon

Ann Arbor DDA Offices
150 South Fifth Avenue
Suite 301
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

Special Meetings

DDA Informational Meetings 2025
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 12 Noon
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 12 Noon

Non-Regularly Scheduled Meetings

 

 

 

 

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