Activating corridors. Driving tourism and economic growth. Celebrating culture and diversity.
Our Story
Ourspace Foundation was created to strategically connect culture, commerce, and community impact in the Capital Region. Seeing an opportunity to strengthen cultural infrastructure and economic participation, the organization produces scalable programming that drives tourism and measurable impact for local and regional businesses.
The vision first came to life in 2021 through recording artist and community leader MikeyyAustin’s inaugural 517 Juneteenth Celebration, which activated REO Town Lansing and drew more than 1,100 attendees, supported over 30 local vendors, and generated meaningful economic and cultural impact. The event transformed the corridor into a vibrant gathering space, increased small business revenue, and strengthened community pride across the region.
Seeing the power of culture as a catalyst for economic growth and connection, MikeyyAustin and a diverse founding team built Ourspace Foundation to ensure this impact extended beyond a single event. Today, the organization delivers year-round programming that activates corridors, supports artists and businesses, and positions the Capital Region as a destination for culture, wellness, and inclusive economic growth.
Together, this work reflects Ourspace Foundation’s commitment to making culture a consistent economic driver rather than a one-time moment. By pairing creative vision with operational excellence, the organization has built a sustainable model that benefits communities, businesses, artists, and partners alike. Through year-round, high-impact programming and strategic corporate partnerships, Ourspace Foundation continues to elevate the Capital Region as a vibrant destination for culture, education, and inclusive economic growth while delivering meaningful, measurable return for the communities and sponsors invested in its success.
Our Impact
Ourspace Foundation’s impact began in 2021 with the first 517 Juneteenth Celebration, activating REO Town Lansing and demonstrating the power of culture-led corridor activation. In 2022, the celebration expanded into a four-day weekend, drawing more than 3,000 attendees and significantly increasing participation from artists, vendors, and small businesses. By 2023, Ourspace formally became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supported by a diverse team committed to expanding access, representation, and opportunity through culture.
As the organization grew, so did its programming. In 2023, Ourspace launched 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend after recognizing the need for broader representation of Latinx cultures beyond traditional narratives, modeling the event after the success of Juneteenth Weekend to create an equally impactful platform. That same year, A Night at the Soul Lounge returned under the Ourspace Foundation umbrella, reviving an event originally hosted by MikeyyAustin in 2019 to reestablish consistent nightlife and live music experiences in the region. Health and Wellness programming also launched in 2023, centering the eight dimensions of wellness through workshops, seminars, the signature Yoga By the River series, and an annual Health and Wellness Conference.
Since its inception, Ourspace Foundation has generated over half a million dollars in revenue for Black-owned, Hispanic-owned, and small businesses across the region. More than 50,000 attendees from Lansing, surrounding cities, multiple states, and international destinations have participated in Ourspace programming, reinforcing culture as a powerful driver of economic growth, tourism, and community pride year-round.
Board of Directors
