What’s up in Downtown Flint, you ask? Just ask Jerin Sage, Director of Placemaking, who is charged with overseeing all operations and functions of the What’s Up Downtown Project (WUDP).
A program of the Greater Flint Arts Council, WUDP is a placemaking project responsible for leading residents through a citizen-driven process of designing pop-up activities to activate the public space in Downtown Flint. “I have been involved with this project since its inception in 2020 and have been the director since 2022,” Sage states.
“WUDP is focused on small audience engagements, pop-up activations and advocacy that provides residents with meaningful and paid opportunities in the (re)developments and programming of the public spaces and places in the city’s center,” Sage reports. “This work is done through relationship building, minimizing barriers of access and connecting people to the resources, places and programs that can best enable success.”
“Showing up is the most important thing anyone can do to support the rebirth of this city. We are all in this together! This is YOUR city!”
Jerin Sage, Director of Placemaking
Funded by grants, donations and in-kind contributions, the program’s largest contributor is the C.S. Mott Foundation. “All WUDP programming is resident-driven and led with the aim of capturing the true essence of our community and the many skills, talents and needs that exist,” the director shares. “WUDP works closely with many partners, organizations and individuals to ensure diverse and equitable access and programming.”
This young man participated in Andy Ellard’s “The Silly Bike Ride” project, which taught youth how to turn a bike into a sculptural fish to create healthy ties and memories to the Flint River.
According to Sage, WUDP hosts activities such as Flint City Tours which take place on Tuesdays, from 6-7pm at Brush Park. Resident hosts take guests on one-hour explorative tours through the city that highlight individual talents, skills and performances in their favorite locations. Tours include fashion, music, literature/poetry, photography, comedy, fitness and more for all ages. Other pop-ups like Big Games in Buckham take place on Wednesdays, from 11:30am-1pm. Pop-Up Mini Golf (Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm, Brush Park) offers fun and friendly competition and highlights some of the city’s underutilized places and spaces. “All WUDP activities are designed to start conversations about the sort of things and programming our residents want to see more (or less) of,” the director notes. Find more activities listed at Facebook.com/whatsupdowntownflint.
A semi-truck was transformed into a vibrant mobile music stage to host hip-hop, heavy metal and jazz shows along Saginaw Street.
What does the future hold for WUDP? “The future is very bright because Flint residents are putting in the work, time and motion to see Downtown become a place for everyone,” Sage says. “We will keep seeing people stepping up to the occasion and embracing ideas of stewardship and being present for the city! We are always seeking new partners, funders and people to help shape the program.”
WUDP has promoted the fun to be had fishing the Flint River.
A father of three, Sage has lived in the Flint area his entire life. “I live, breathe and bleed for this city with my work in the community spanning over 21 years,” he states, “including everything from changing all of your water meters and urban farming with Peace Mob Gardens in the neighborhoods, to founding Downtown’s largest single-day event – 8/3 Downtown (Drop Fest).”
It is Sage’s love for the City of Flint that has inspired his work. “Flint is my home. I love this place and the people here inspire and require me to step up my game with each new day,” he says. “I have traveled more than average and Flint is special, unique and what I consider to be a gem.”
Pictured here headlining at Porch Fest, Rapper Jeff Skigh (front) now helps lead the event production.
WUDP will continue to work for the betterment of the City of Flint. “WUDP wants Flint to be a place where people can feel welcomed, wanted and have things to do and places to go,” Sage adds, “and we want those things to be driven and steered by local residents.” And what can you do to support this vision? “Showing up is the most important thing anyone can do to support the rebirth of this city. Support your friends, family, vendors, businesses, artists, musicians and advocates! We are all in this together! This is YOUR CITY!”
