creating A connected, healthy, and economically resilient Capital Region.
Partners
Our Story
Ourspace Foundation was established to strengthen community health and economic vitality in the Capital Region of Michigan by aligning culture, wellness, and local business development into a coordinated, place-based strategy. Recognizing that shared cultural experiences, access to wellness resources, and small-business participation are deeply connected, the organization develops scalable programs that activate public spaces, support local enterprises, and contribute to long-term community well-being.
The vision first took shape in 2021 through recording artist and organizer MikeyyAustin’s inaugural 517 Juneteenth Celebration, which activated the REO Town corridor and drew more than 1,100 attendees. In addition to supporting more than 30 local business vendors, the event intentionally incorporated wellness stations alongside cultural programming—marking the organization’s first effort to bring culture, health, and economic participation together within a single community experience. This integrated approach transformed the corridor into a vibrant gathering space, increased small-business revenue, expanded access to wellness resources, and strengthened community pride across the region.
Recognizing the power of this model, Ourspace Foundation was established to ensure that this integrated impact extended beyond a single event. What began as a cultural celebration evolved into a year-round strategy that uses culture and placemaking as an entry point, wellness as a stabilizing force, and business as an engine for local economic vitality.
Today, Ourspace Foundation operates as a catalyst for healthy communities across the Capital Region, delivering consistent programming that activates public spaces, supports local enterprises, and advances long-term community well-being.
Mikeyy Austin Executive Director
our vision
Ourspace Foundation envisions a Capital Region of Michigan where people are deeply connected to their culture and community, families have access to the resources they need to thrive, and local businesses are engines of shared economic stability.
Through aligned cultural, health, and economic initiatives, we aim to strengthen Lansing and the surrounding region as a place where community connection, individual well-being, and small-business growth work together to create healthy, resilient neighborhoods.
Our FOUNDATION
CULTURE. +
We invest in culture as a foundation for connection and belonging.
Through large-scale cultural events, placemaking, and creative experiences, we create shared spaces where people come together, celebrate identity, and strengthen social ties across the Capital Region.
HEALTH & WELLNESS. +
We expand access to holistic health and wellness resources for individuals and families.
Through community-based programming, movement, education, and wellness experiences, we support physical, mental, and social well-being as essential components of a healthy community.
BUSINESS. =
We support small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs as drivers of local vitality.
Through marketplaces, training, workshops, and real-world learning opportunities, we strengthen economic participation, workforce readiness, and local business growth.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Together, these efforts create healthy, resilient communities.
By aligning culture, wellness, and economic opportunity, Ourspace Foundation advances long-term community health, neighborhood vitality, and inclusive growth across the Capital Region.
