About MCMA

Michigan City Mainstreet Association (MCMA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit social welfare organization dedicated to improving the Uptown Arts District in the heart of downtown Michigan City. MCMA is also the only nonprofit organization in Michigan City that is a registered Indiana Main Street Program. Through that role, we work to help create a city center that is a great place to live, work, play, and invest.

About the Uptown Arts District

The Uptown Arts District is a distinctive part of downtown Michigan City shaped by local businesses, public art, events, and community activity. The Uptown Arts District brand was created by the Michigan City Mainstreet Association to help strengthen the health, identity, and vibrancy of downtown Michigan City. It reflects the neighborhood’s creative spirit and the city center’s passion for the arts, culture, and community.

The district boundaries also help define MCMA’s mission and focus. By concentrating its efforts within the Uptown Arts District, MCMA is able to direct its time, energy, and resources toward a clearly defined area of downtown rather than spreading itself too thin. The map below shows the current boundaries of the district so visitors can better understand what is included within the UAD.

How We Strengthen Downtown

MCMA works to improve both the quality of the Uptown Arts District and the way downtown Michigan City is experienced and understood. We promote the district through events, marketing, and community programming that bring people downtown and highlight the energy, creativity, and character of the city center. Over the years, that work has included signature events, public art, wayfinding, merchant support, and downtown improvement efforts that have helped shape the identity and visibility of the district.

We also support the long-term strength of downtown by encouraging business activity, promoting local merchants, and helping create an environment where investment and new opportunities can grow. In addition, MCMA advocates for thoughtful improvements to the appearance and function of downtown, including items such as signage, wayfinding, lighting, public spaces, streetscape features, and other design elements that contribute to a more welcoming and successful district.

Volunteer Leadership

Everything MCMA does is powered by volunteers. Our organization is led by community members who give their time, energy, and ideas to support the future of downtown Michigan City. The current Board of Directors is listed below as part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement.

Community-Funded and Independent

MCMA is an independent, self-sustaining organization. We do not operate as a department of city government, and we do not rely on ongoing public funding to carry out our mission. Instead, our work is supported through event revenue, memberships, sponsorships, donations, and the generosity of people who believe in the continued success of the Uptown Arts District. Proceeds from our efforts are reinvested back into our programs, events, and downtown improvement initiatives.

Affiliations

On this page, you will also see the MCMA logo along with the Downtown Affiliate Network Indiana Main Street Program logo, reflecting MCMA’s place within the broader Main Street network in Indiana and our ongoing commitment to downtown revitalization and community development.