The Popps Emporium project began in 2012 when we bought the blighted house with an attached storefront across the street from Popps Packing as an extension of our existing programming. Through additional residency space, a community gallery, and a tool lending library, Popps Emporium serves as a community resource for the sharing of goods, skills, and experiences while offering a platform for community engagement; creating new connections and neighborly good will.
Building History
We slowly began to rehab the building and invited artists to create immersive installations within the space during the various stages of transition – a collaboration that allowed the artists to realize their vision and helped us by clearing much of the debris from the building.
Conversations with our neighbors around the rehabilitation of Popps Emporium inspired us took look at the building beyond a space for artists but as a place for neighbors to gather, share information and resources, so that we can collaboratively begin to build the neighborhood we envision moving forward.
This project is made possible in part through the generous support of the Kresge Foundation, The Peck Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Dashboard, and all Patronicity donors. We thank you!
