Sept. 20, 2006

Dr. William Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), today announced the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has awarded $10.089 million to a variety of arts and cultural projects around the state for fiscal year 2007.  The 300 grant awards – for projects in 58 Michigan counties – were approved this afternoon by the council.  A list of this year’s grant recipients is available at www.michigan.gov/arts.

"As we continue our work to diversify Michigan’s economy, grant dollars like these are important to the communities in which they're used.  The arts and cultural sector, unquestionably, will continue to play a critical role in boosting Michigan's economy," said HAL Director Dr. William Anderson.  "The arts projects funded with MCACA grants represent real people, real jobs and real social and economic benefit."  

In addition to supporting Michigan's major institutions, the grants provide funding for the creation of the Cultural Economic Development On-line Tool to track the economic impact of arts and cultural organizations; 16 capital improvement projects - including renovation work on the historic Howell Opera House; an education program in Detroit, focusing on new media; numerous free summer concerts and festivals; and a partnership with Michigan State University Museum to increase the profitability of the state’s successful crafts industry.

"As Michigan works to redefine itself in the national economy, it is more important than ever that we embrace the value of arts and culture as both an economic driver and a powerful means of enhancing quality of life for our residents," said MCACA Chair Craig Ruff.  "These MCACA-funded organizations and programs help create the vibrant communities where people want to live, work and visit, spending their time as well as their hard-earned dollars."

The council received 353 applications, requesting more than $20 million for fiscal year 2007.  All grant applications were evaluated through a process of peer review.  Panels, consisting of arts and cultural professionals from throughout the country, 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 2007, which begins Oct. 1, 2006, and ends Sept. 30, 2007.

In determining grant awards, the 15 appointed members of the council consider 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 quality of life and strengthening the economy 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.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

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