Sept. 17, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has tentatively awarded $11.7 million to a variety of arts and cultural projects for fiscal year 2005, in accordance with the enrolled appropriations bill. The 307 grant awards - for projects in 62 Michigan counties - were approved this afternoon by the MCACA. These grants will help provide funding for such projects as after-school writing programs; a national traveling exhibit about the Mexican American experience; free concerts and fellowship programs.

"These grants will make it possible for arts organizations across the state to do what they do best: provide programming that enriches, inspires and educates Michigan citizens of all ages," said Governor Granholm. "Building vibrant, engaging communities with access to arts and culture is essential to attracting both the people and the jobs we need to grow Michigan's economy."

This year's grants support projects in counties all over the state, from Baraga to Benzie, Macomb to Montmorency, and Cheboygan to Chippewa.

"This year's matching arts grants exemplify the commitment our department has made to building state-local partnerships," said Dr. William M. Anderson, director of History Arts and Libraries (HAL). "We will continue to advocate at every opportunity - even in the face of a slowly recovering economy - the importance of bringing arts and culture to Michigan residents of all ages and the very real impact cultural tourism has on our state's economic future."

The council received 377 applications, requesting nearly $36 million for fiscal year 2005. All grant applications were evaluated through a process of peer review. Panels, consisting of arts and cultural professionals from throughout the state, evaluated and judged each application based on published review criteria. This process resulted in recommendations for funding consideration to the council. Projects funded by MCACA must be completed within fiscal year 2005, which begins Oct. 1, 2004, and ends Sept. 30, 2005.

In determining grant awards, the 15 appointed members of the council considers panel recommendations, geographic distribution, diversity, balance among funding programs, under-served communities, access and delivery of quality programming and services to citizens and communities.

MCACA is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.

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NOTE: For a complete list of grant recipients and amounts, see FY 2005 Arts and Cultural Grants.

Contact: Sarah Lapshan
810-599-1639 (cell)
517-241-1736 (office)
slapshan@michigan.gov

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