Nov. 17, 2005

Building on the strength of two successful events that helped more than 2,500 people understand and adapt the "Cool Cities" concept to their communities, the State of Michigan is set to take a bold next step in laying the groundwork for a comprehensive cultural economic development plan.  On Thursday, Dec. 8, cultural, government, civic and community leaders from throughout Michigan will learn about future trends, model programs, and the many ways in which our state's unique pool of creative talent and cultural resources can help communities spur and sustain economic vitality.

The Art of Cool: Linking Culture, Community and the Economy (www.artofcoolconference.com) is the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) 11th annual meeting and will take place on Dec. 8 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, Mich.  The conference – co-presented by the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) and the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) – is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees from all regions of the state.

"Folks who made the trip to Lansing to attend previous years' conferences made terrific progress," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "Now it's time to expand on that knowledge.  'The Art of Cool' conference is great opportunity for communities of all sizes to continue the work of leveraging arts and culture for sound economic health."

"The Art of Cool" will begin with a look into the future as keynote presenter, Andrew Zolli, explores how business and culture need to work together to succeed.  Mr. Zolli, author, forecaster and strategist, is one of a new generation of futurists helping organizations understand and respond to complex change.  He is a regular commentator on "Marketplace," a program produced by American Public Media that airs on public radio stations nationwide; a contributor to American Demographics magazine; an "Emerging Explorer" with the National Geographic Society; and the "Futurist-in-Residence" at Popular Science magazine.  His book, Catalog of Tomorrow, features essays exploring 100 trends and technologies that will shape the next 25 years.

HAL Director Dr. William Anderson is set to deliver a mid-day presentation that lays out the strategy and long-term vision for the state's cultural economic development.

"If Michigan is to compete and succeed in the 21st-century economy, we need to take advantage of every single resource at our fingertips," said Dr. Anderson.  "Michigan is blessed with a wonderful array of cultural programs and attractions, unique artistic products and a cultural community with unmatched enthusiasm.  What we've been missing so far is a holistic effort to deploy and market those resources."

The conference will also feature sessions exploring ways in which Michigan communities can employ creative strategies to address pressing challenges.  Communities across the state are creating the kind of attractive, exciting communities that high-gross businesses are seeking.  These sessions will feature speakers drawn from Michigan and beyond who will share best practices, case studies and model experiences.  Luncheon speaker Glen Murray, former Mayor of Winnipeg, will share his vision and experience from that city's very successful program and his work as an urban consultant.  Mr. Murray works with civic leaders, citizens and cultural groups who know that successful local economies are increasingly driven by an important mix of assets including cultural resources, research and development capabilities and environmental attributes.

Last year's popular Tips & Tools exhibit area has been expanded to accommodate additional state agency representatives, Cool Cities and Neighborhoods in Progress award designees, and other community-development experts.  The Tips & Tools "Think Tank" will offer attendees an opportunity for one-on-one brainstorming meetings with these experts and conference presenters.

Conference co-chairs Lillian Bauder, member of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and James C. Epolito, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, expect "The Art of Cool" will inspire cultural, community, economic-development and government leaders to take the next steps in revitalizing Michigan's cities and towns through creative collaborative effort. 

Teams of individuals from local communities are encouraged to attend.  Registration for a team of four is $260 plus $65 per additional person on or before Nov. 22 and $320 plus $80 per additional person thereafter.  The registration fee for individuals is $80 per person on or before Nov. 22 and $95 thereafter.  For more information, call Get Real! Communications at (734) 669-7192 or visit the conference Web site at www.artofcoolconference.com.

CONTACTS:     
Maura Campbell, DLEG – (517) 373-9280, mcampb@michigan.gov
Sarah Lapshan, HAL – (517) 241-1736, slapshan@michigan.gov

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.