April 14, 2005   

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), today announced a new grant program category for fiscal year 2006, the Cultural and History Projects Program. 

Combining two former MCACA grant program categories - the Cultural Projects Program and the History Projects Program - into a single category, the new program was created to encourage the arts and cultural sector to increase its contribution to Governor Jennifer Granholm's plan to grow the state's economy.  According to Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director William Anderson, the Cultural and History Projects Program recognizes cultural tourism - particularly maritime heritage tourism - as an emerging Michigan industry that has tremendous potential for growth and significant economic impact.

"Boasting over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and the rich, multicultural history of all who have navigated those waters over the centuries, Michigan has an incredible opportunity to capitalize on both our heritage and our world-class cultural institutions," Anderson said.  "The art, music, stories, architecture, poetry, cuisine and countless other cultural treasures stemming from Michigan's maritime tradition are just part of the toolkit communities can use to create new tourism destinations, attractions, businesses and jobs."

The Cultural and History Projects Program seeks to generate sustainable cultural/heritage tourism, based on Michigan's unique and diverse maritime heritage, toward development of regional destination clusters with high-quality compelling maritime art/culture/heritage products that entice visitors to stay in an area for at least two nights.

A special meeting to discuss the new Cultural and History Projects Program will be held on Monday, April 18 at 2 p.m. in the Forum of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing.

Through the Cultural and History Projects Program, MCACA invites the state's maritime communities to become full partners in the goal of creating maritime heritage destinations by using Michigan's cultural assets to plan, develop and/or expand quality destinations that:

• build upon their unique character, heritage and geographic location;
• creatively engage the traveling public in a range of accessible art forms, educational experiences, sites, heritage events, cultural traditions, etc.; and
• produce significant economic benefit (employment, business enterprises or other income-generating activity).

The deadline for Cultural and History Projects program applications is June 1, 2005.  Program guidelines and application are available online at www.michigan.gov/arts.  For more information about the program, call MCACA at (517) 241-4011.

MCACA is an agency 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.

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