Coworking space planned in downtown Marcellus aims to support the area's creative workforce

What’s happening: A creative lending library and community co-working hub is planned for downtown Marcellus in a space poised to become a go-to resource for area creatives — and those looking to become so. Nonprofit arts organization Flyover Art is planning to make use of an underutilized space in their art gallery at Patch & Remington, with the goal to open the Flyover Co-Working Space. 

What’s planned: The Flyover Co-Working Space will feature Mac desktop computers complete with Adobe Suite software; 3D and high quality inkjet printers; a letterpress with supplies and materials; desks and seating areas, and more. Design, marketing, and entrepreneurial classes are also planned.

Why it’s happening: In their efforts to support and grow the creative economy of Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties, Flyover Art surveyed and identified their community’s needs. The answer? Access to equipment, training, and workspace. This project aims to provide just that.

As the project’s website puts it, “With the existing tech infrastructure and shift to remote work, why can't rural residents make a living wage working as photographers, brand managers, graphic designers, or NFT gurus? Identifying barriers to access within the creative workforce, this project will provide the materials and training for local residents to explore diverse professional creative opportunities.”

How they’ll do it: Flyover Art has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on their Public Spaces Community Places program. Should the nonprofit successfully raise $40,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, the MEDC will then contribute an additional $40,000 matching grant toward their project.

Flyover Art has until Friday, May 13, to reach its goal. The crowdfunding campaign is being hosted on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform, which can be found online.

What they’re saying: “The matching grant program for us is huge! It allows us to do more than simply create a co-working space supplied with a variety of equipment,” says Sarah Ayers, director of Flyover Art. “It affords us the opportunity to hire the support staff we’ve been dreaming of, extend the hours we’re open, and offer a variety of classes, workshops, and programs.”