GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Avenue for the Arts, for nearly 10 years, has been revitalizing the Heartside Neighborhood in downtown Grand Rapids.

The grassroots organization operating out of Dwelling Place has launched a new crowdfunding campaign, "Art Matters," to raise money for a home of its own at 307 S. Division Ave.

If the Patronicity campaign reaches its goal of $10,000 by Nov. 17, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match it with an additional $10,000 through its Public Spaces Community Places initiative.

"If we don't get funded through the campaign, we will not be taking the space," said Jenn Schaub, a Neighborhood Revitalization Specialist for Dwelling Place and coordinator for Avenue for the Arts.

Today, the initiative has raised over $3,605 from 30 patrons with 20 days to go.

Money raised through the crowdfunding campaign and the matching grant will be used to cover costs like rent, Internet, utilities, furnishings, and other office supplies.

Go online to Patronicity to donate or for more information on the campaign.

“Avenue for the Arts has been a catalyst for economic growth in the community for the past several years, and this effort will enable residents, businesses and other groups to accelerate the amazing transformation taking place not only in the Heartside area, but throughout downtown Grand Rapids,” said Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of MEDC.

Avenue for the Arts, launched in 2005, is the neighborhood title for the South Division commercial corridor, and community-based organization, a collaboration of residential, commercial and nonprofit groups working together.

"Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in nonprofit and business activity along the street, and the number of residential buildings has grown and new apartments and spaces are filling with people, activity and excitement," Schaub said.

The multipurpose space at 307 S. Division Ave., next door to God's Kitchen, also will function as gallery space showcasing local artists, an education/info spot for visitors, a community meeting space, and an office for learning lab interns who facilitate all Avenue events.

“We're excited about creating an anchor for Avenue for the Arts' activity on the south end of our district,” Schaub said. “Avenue programming is firmly rooted in connecting residents, artists, volunteers, visitors, and businesses with new opportunities to engage in creative activity."

MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort with the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity for local residents to use crowdfunding to be part of the development of transformational projects in their communities, backed with a matching grant from MEDC.

“The Public Spaces Community Places initiative, one of the first of its kind in the country, is a great opportunity to pool resources and actively engage to transform public spaces in our communities," Finney said.

Here's more on the Avenue for the Arts' campaign:

Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk covers arts and entertainment for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jkaczmarczyk@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.