For the first time, SVSU students will have a chance to utilize the space of the Marshall Fredericks Museum for their own creative endeavors.

Titled the “Student Creativity Explosion,” the program came out of brainstorming by the museum board on what to do with a three-week gap in the upcoming fall semester where they didn’t have any shows going on.

According to Melissa Ford, the Marshall Fredericks Museum archivist, they didn’t want to just leave the space empty.

“We wanted students to take ownership and use the space in a creative way,” Ford said.

The parameters of these creative opportunities are basically limitless.

The museum is looking for everything from a health demonstration to a dance performance to a concert or art exhibition.

Any interested student simply applies online and lays out the specifics of their idea: the days, times and parameters involved.

The board will review the applications and coordinate the selections to fill out the full three weeks.

“We might have multiple events going on a day while we have an art exhibit on the walls for the full three weeks,” Ford said. “It’s very flexible depending on your idea.”

In addition to simply ensuring that the museum is utilized, Ford said that they are also hoping that this opportunity will get students into their space.

“It’s a goal of ours to have every SVSU student visit the museum at least once and this might do that,” Ford said. “It gives students something different to see as a participant and/or an observer.”

The space is open to organizations on campus, as well.

According to Ford, they just really want students to use the museum as yet another resource to explore their own creativity.

“This is the first time in the history of the museum that the students can use the space themselves,” Ford added. “The museum has shown internationally famous artists. It’s really neat that students can perform in that same space.”

This is something new for the museum as well and Ford said that the entire board is incredibly excited about this opportunity.

They hope that if this event goes well, they will able to continue doing something similar in the future.

All applications are due by 5 p.m. April 15. The link to apply is http://marshallfredericks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Student-Creativity-Explosion-Application.pdf.

Email completed submissions to Melissa Ford at mmford1@svsu.edu.

Above all else, Ford stressed that this is an opportunity open to everyone on campus.

“This isn’t just for artists,” she said. “All groups on campus can participate. We want you to think outside the box and share your ideas with us.”