SEPTEMBER 10, 1998 - Governor John Engler today announced more than $21 million in Arts and Cultural grants that will reach residents in all 83 counties throughout Michigan. The competitively selected grants were approved by the 15-member Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs earlier today at their Annual Meeting in Lansing.

"Michigan is among the top five states in arts and cultural support, making sure arts and cultural funding benefits all our residents both young and old in urban and rural communities," said Engler. "These grants not only enhance the quality of life and cultural well-being of all Michigan residents, they underscore Michigan's role as a leader in arts and cultural support."

All 222 grants awarded were evaluated through a competitive, peer-panel review process that culminates with the recommendations made to the Arts Council, an agency within the Department of Consumer & Industry Services. Awards were based on geographic distribution, diversity, balance among funding programs, offerings to under-served communities, and delivery of quality programming and services to all Michigan residents.

The grants fall into the following 10 categories:

• Anchor Organization Program– funds professionally directed arts and cultural groups for delivery of quality projects on a regional or statewide basis, such as art museums, zoos, orchestras and music education camps.

• Arts Organization Development Program – funds professional organizations to obtain increased financial support, administrative stability and expanded delivery of services.

• Local, Regional or Statewide Services Program – funds projects and services of community-based organizations to sustain, improve and expand arts and cultural activities in their communities.

• Arts and Cultural Projects for Cities, Townships, and Villages – provides one-time funding assistance for regional arts and cultural projects, including capital improvement projects.

• Partnerships Program – allows several local, state and regional organizations to re-grant state dollars at the local level and provide programs and services to Arts Council clients.

• Artists in School Program – helps K-12 schools obtain services of professional artists during the 1998-99 school year to strengthen the school curricula and increase access to arts and cultural activities.

• Arts and Learning Program – led by professional artists, this program supports quality arts education activities in schools and communities, and in partnership with schools and community-based organizations.

• Arts Project Program – funds arts producers, presenters and non-arts organizations in all arts disciplines to advance the creative, cultural and economic environment of the state.

• Regional Re-granting Program – funds certain nonprofit organizations that administer the program on behalf of the Arts Council to support cultural projects in 16 statewide regions.

• Discretionary Program – funds nonprofit organizations to implement Arts Council initiatives that do not fall in the previous categories. In addition, the Council responds to unmet needs and other demographic considerations, by issuing a small number of discretionary awards.

"In addition to providing educational and outreach opportunities, these grants help revitalize communities throughout Michigan by supporting economic growth, job creation, tourism and improving the overall quality of life," said CIS Director Kathleen Wilbur.

The grants support projects and programs for fiscal year 1999 which starts Oct. 1, 1998 and ends Sept. 30, 1999.

They also require matching funds from other public and private sources.

Click Here To Get A List Of The Winners and Code Sheet

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.