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  Michelle Sholund January 26, 2011 at 12:25pm

  This IS good news. I love hearing these stories. Two years ago mall management at a mall near where I have my part time job allowed about 4 artists to exhibit in a small space in the mall all taking turns running the shop. It was temporary during the holidays, but it sounded like a very good arrangement and they did turn a bit of profit from what I gather. I have tried inquiring other mall type places just to get an idea of $$ for rent and such especially in the ghost town malls. One is such an a__ saying it is far cheaper to have less people occupying a storefront than people occupying it. A place in Ocean City, MD is doing the same thing as they own so much property it doesn't matter whether it is occupied or not. Based on that they don't see a need to make spaces "affordable". On a similar note, I came across a person who manages kiosk carts at 4 malls in the metro area of MD - Baltimore area so to speak. Can you believe this - hold onto your hats.... A little kiosk cart in a mall costs starts at $3,000 a month during slow months and upwards of $10,000 during the holidays! Now granted if you figure being open 7 days a week about 10 hours a day, it might not be that bad as you do get exposure. But at the same time how many times do you ignore kiosk workers? Isn't theft harder to control with a kisok? And the big issue is what incentive would "I" have having a tiny kiosk space when I could find a 1,000 sq. ft. space for $3,000 - 4,000 a month with far more space! I only wish there were more property management owners willing to help the little guys start a gallery, craft boutique, etc. like what you describe in Detroit. Kudos to them!
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  Christine Green January 25, 2011 at 12:59pm

  Connie, I grew up in Ferndale so I am so excited with all the changes taking place.  There's a wonderful feeling percolating in the whole area in spite of the recession and the tanking of the automobile industry over the last few years. There is so much talent and appreciation for culture in the Detroit area; the whole metro area was at one time on top of the world with innovation, education, output and support for cultural activities.  History does go through cycles and with the layers of ethnic ties, community reinvestment and indomitable spirit the cycle is going up again inspite of so many challenges.
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  Jacki Bilsborrow January 23, 2011 at 9:44pm

  Something needs to get started down there and this looks like a good start.