United We Go asks Bay City for partnership to expand mural festival

United We Go founder Jinane Ayanna used the public-comment period to outline a three-year record of public art work and to request a formal meeting with city leadership and funders to develop a sustainable partnership.

Ayanna told commissioners that since 2023 the nonprofit has created 11 festival-funded murals and facilitated 15 murals citywide, transforming more than 5,200 square feet of public space. She said the group's direct cash funding totaled just over $54,000 and that additional murals were enabled by grants, sponsorships, donated materials and volunteer labor. "We believe that by working together, United We Go, the city of Bay City, the downtown DDA, and the Bay Area Community Foundation, we can build a sustainable public art strategy," she said.

Ayanna asked to schedule an official meeting with City Manager Rick Heyman, city leadership and the Bay Area Community Foundation to explore partnership models and leverage larger grant opportunities. Mayor and several commissioners welcomed the presentation and thanked United We Go for adding vibrancy to the city.

City manager Heyman, later in the meeting, thanked the organization for attending and encouraged civic engagement through boards, commission service and the city's Citizens Public Safety Academy.