I have a growing fascination with Detroit. Once considered a shining example of US industry and American products, it is now mainly known for its high crime rates and abandoned neighborhoods. But it is also a city with amazing potential. More and more frequently I am reading inspirational stories of re-building and community collaboration.
One such endeavor is the Imagination Station, a new non-profit founded by Jerry Paffendorf and Mary Lorene Carter, but made possible through the work of many many more in the community. When two run down buildings in the Corktown neighborhood went up for auction, Paffendorf and local resident Jeff DeBruyn bought the structures for $500 a piece. One is burned out and slated for demolition, but will be transformed into a public outdoor meeting/art space. The building next door will be renovated to create a new community center, with room for artists in residence and other activities.
The Imagination Station successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign for initial funding and they are now working on the next phase. But in the meantime, they are using every opportunity to document, create and share their work. Before the burned structure is torn down, artist Catie Newell has made a stunning installation. The organizers will be sharing their entire process, from fundraising to building, on their website with the aim of inspiring others to replicate the process in their own neighborhoods. This concentrated community effort and support has resulted in a nimble operation that can make its own rules. As quoted by the Metro Times, “If major foundations and nonprofits were involved in the Imagination Station, as they would have to be in a city like Chicago, there’d have to be 6,800 meetings before anything got accomplished,” Debruyn says.
When I created the Denver Community Museum I had the same feeling. As an individual there were no grants to apply for and partnering with a local institution may have delayed the project (by several years). I am intrigued by people/organizations who are making things happen using new models. The Imagination Station is one amazing example. Founder Jerry Paffendorf is also undertaking another project called Loveland, a micro financing platform that is both innovative and inspirational. More to come on that one in my next post.
