Escanaba Marketplace and Community Music (An Idea of a Community Based Art Fund)

Could a Scan Me QR Code
and a Calendar/Map 
enhance tourism and quality of life?

The other evening, a group of us gathered at the Escanaba Marketplace to enjoy some fantastic live music. As we sat together, we reflected on how much the town is growing and how events like these are bringing the community closer. Then an idea came forward about a Community Based Art Fund and more exposure of local music and arts activities.

We also discussed an idea to help raise more support for local events: placing signs with QR codes labeled “Scan Me to Donate to Escanaba Music and Arts.” with a wepage listing all of the local events that can be used by tourist and locals (The Chamber of Commerce has a calendar that might fit that part). A fund like this could encourage both visitors and residents to contribute to efforts that enhance community-building activities. With enough momentum, it might even attract larger donations and grant funding.

We imagined these signs being placed permanently at pavilions, key tourism locations, and in the windows of participating businesses. Contributions from visitors could help expand local arts programming—especially if supported by coordinated marketing and tourism efforts to raise awareness of what’s happening in the area.

A vibrant arts scene plays a key role in attracting and retaining talent, improving quality of life, and boosting tourism and investment. While this is just an idea that was floated around this small group it is the ideation process that can bring forward other ideas as well.  Out of many ideas a few may have merit. The arts are a powerful driver of both community enrichment and economic development, and initiatives like this could play an important role in Escanaba’s continued growth as an investment hot spot.

$30.7 billion was sent in Michigan in 2024. MEDC Economic Impact 2024 Michigan Vistors