Nov. 29, 2007

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 $7,662,845 million to a variety of arts and cultural projects around the state for fiscal year 2008.  The 252 grant awards - for projects in 49 Michigan counties - were approved this afternoon by the council.  Click here to see a list of the grants by county.

"Michigan is at a crossroads and the need for economic diversification has never been stronger," said Dr. Anderson.  "Michigan's arts and cultural sector has, for many years, demonstrated its ability to create and sustain jobs.  Grant dollars like these are essential to helping local and regional arts organizations leverage further support that boosts the community economy."

In addition to supporting Michigan's major institutions, the grants provide funding for25 arts education projects as diverse as an intergenerational poetry class at Negaunee Middle School - connecting a poet with middle school students and their elders - to a grant to the Parchment School District near Kalamazoo, where they will implement the Storytelling and Sculpture project serving 170 alternative education students.

The Council also supported eight Capital Improvement projects ranging from vital repairs and improvements to venues such as the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater and the Open Door Gallery in Sturgis to the City of Saginaw where they will begin work to create a new neighborhood theater space. 

MCACA Executive Director John Bracey said the Council also continues to fund arts and cultural discipline-based projects like plays at Actor's Theater in Grand Rapids, exhibits at Detroit Artists Market, concerts by Bay Musical Arts in Bay City, performances offered by the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble in Oakland County or the summer music festival offered by the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Evart. 

"The value of and need for cultural investment has never been greater. State support for grantees and the public they serve has dropped precipitously from $27 million in 2001 to $7.66 million today," said MCACA chair Craig Ruff.  "That jeopardizes the quality of life of all state residents. Culture counts. It spurs attraction and retention of talent and private investment. It creates jobs. It excites student achievement. It gives communities and individuals a stronger sense of self worth."

The council received 282 applications, requesting nearly $13 million for fiscal year 2008.  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 2008, which began Oct. 1, 2007, and ends Sept. 30, 2008. 

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.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan.  It is an agency within the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/arts.       

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 of History, Arts and Libraries 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) .