May 3, 2005

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Library of Michigan today announced a new grant opportunity for the state's libraries.  The Arts and Libraries Community Literary Partnership Program will provide funding to libraries across the state for projects that infuse new arts and cultural resources into community-based literary programs that address literacy, celebrate the state's literary and cultural legacy, and foster the joy of reading.

"We're excited to make this grant opportunity available to Michigan libraries," said Janice Fedewa, executive director of the Michigan Humanities Council.  "Literacy is such a fundamental part of living an engaged, fulfilling life.  Using the many creative teaching tools afforded by arts and culture is a powerful way to engage readers of all ages."

Administered by the Michigan Humanities Council, grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 will be awarded through a competitive grant process.  The program is being funded in part through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Program and complements the NEA's Reading in America Program.  Supported projects may include poetry readings or concert series based on "community reads" themes, or the addition of an arts and culture festival tied to story-hour themes.

"Libraries, like many arts and cultural institutions, have struggled for years with the need for adequate funding," said Dr. William Anderson, director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, which oversees the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  "This grant program can help enhance critical programming that will positively impact many Michiganians."

"We believe arts and culture are vital resources for personal and community development," said Betty Boone, executive director of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  "By joining with our cultural partners in this critical endeavor, we are helping to create new enrichment and growth opportunities for our citizens and communities across the state."

To qualify, an applying organization must be recognized as a library by the Library of Michigan.  Funded projects must be completed between June 13, 2005 and Sept. 30, 2005.  Applications must be postmarked no later than June 3, 2005 and late applications will not be accepted.  Grant recipients will be notified on or after June 13, 2005.  Full grant application guidelines are available at http://www.michiganhumanities.org/grants/literary05.htm.

Applications should be sent to:
 
          Arts and Libraries Community Literary Partnership Program
          c/o Michigan Humanities Council
          119 Pere Marquette Drive, Suite 3B 
          Lansing, MI  48912-1270
 
The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/arts.

The Michigan Humanities Council, founded in 1974, is the state's independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.  For more information about the Michigan Humanities Council, visit www.michiganhumanities.org.

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