Elevate

ELEVATE PROJECT LIST

KERRYTOWN WAYFINDING

a colorful painted mural consisting of fruits, flowers, and abstract shapes on the surface of a parking structure.
LEARN MORE

CONNECTING PEDESTRIANS FROM THE ANN ASHLEY PARKING STRUCTURE TO THE FARMERS MARKET

Connecting the Ann Ashley Parking Structure to the Kerrytown Neighborhood using wayfinding artwork consisting of murals, sidewalk art, and colorful stairwell paintings!

 

DURATION: Permanent (installation Summer 2026)

LOCATION: Kerrytown (Ann Ashley Parking Structure and Miller/Catherine/Detroit Street)

 

UNSEEN ADVENTURES OF ANN ARBOR

Unseen Adventures logo
LEARN MORE

SEE THE UNSEEN AS YOU EXPLORE DOWNTOWN ANN ARBOR

Explore downtown Ann Arbor with new eyes as you try to find one very adventurous mouse. Featuring original artwork from artist David Zinn.

 

DURATION: Permanent (Installation 2025).

LOCATION: Downtown Ann Arbor

 

LIBERTY PLAZA MURAL

Liberty Plaza - West Facing Wall with mural
LEARN MORE

REFLECT AND RECONNECT IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN

A mural consisting of horizontally flowing, one-dimensional geometric shapes, paying homage to the Huron River and our local natural environment, now fills the unique wall spaces of Liberty Plaza.

 

DURATION: Permanent (installation complete September 2025).

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

 

OSCILLATION

Girl looking at crystal in Oscillation exhibit
LEARN MORE

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 2026

Flower mural on side of building

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.

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.

READ MORE

MEETINGS

Board Meetings

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at
11:00 AM

 

Special Meetings

DDA Informational Meetings 2026
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 11 am-COMPLETED
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 11 am

Non-Regularly Scheduled Meetings
None scheduled at this time.

 

 

 

Don't Miss a Thing

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Instagram