May 20, 2005

Dr. William Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), today announced that Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Executive Director Betty Boone will fill a newly created department position:  director of cultural economic development.

"We have been working hard to reposition the resources of our department to increase our impact on community and economic development," said Dr. Anderson.  "Our department and our sector have a major role in cultural economic development which means using creative and cultural assets to cause economic growth and community prosperity."

"By creating this new position, we want to send the message that not only should such resources be employed as an economic tool - they must be employed," he said.  "Having Betty in this role will strengthen our already close partnerships with the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Travel Michigan, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and other organizations inside and outside of state government."

In her new position, Boone will focus her efforts on building partnerships among local, state, regional and national cultural organizations and serving as coordinator for the department's cultural economic development activities.  Boone will report directly to Dr. Anderson.  Boone will provide administrative oversight for MCACA staff.

"It's no secret that greater cultural opportunities make it possible for communities to attract and retain talented workers, new businesses and tourism dollars," said Craig Ruff, MCACA chair.  "Ms. Boone's knowledge of the state cultural scene will enhance the department's focus on job retention and recruitment in Michigan.  The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs salutes the department's efforts and Ms. Boone's new responsibilities."

Boone has a proven track record in arts and cultural administration and community economic development.  An honors graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, she served at the helm of MCACA since its creation in 1991, and as a staff member of the former Michigan Council for the Arts (MCA) since 1980.  Boone has proven leadership in the development and successful implementation of the state's strategic arts plan, industry research, community revitalization and arts education initiatives, innovative funding methods and creation of outstanding partnerships.  She has held professional positions with the Smithsonian Institution, Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Friends School in Detroit, Baltimore County Schools, the District of Columbia and the City of Detroit.

"I am the daughter of a self-taught, internationally renowned artist, John N. Robinson, who was fortunate to be recognized before his death in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the Washington Post and the National Gallery," said Boone.  "His artistic passion and love of community served as an inspiration to me in my development as an artist and arts administrator.  My family and community gave me a sense of confidence, well-being and commitment that I still enjoy in my work today."

Boone has also served as a consultant to numerous state arts councils throughout the country, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and Arts Midwest.  In recent years she received appointments to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Grow Michigan Communities working group, and Governor Granholm's Children's Action Network and Benton Harbor Task Force.  Boone also convened an international symposium in Austria in partnership with the Salzburg Seminar and the Center for Great Lakes Culture.

Boone continued, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my 15 years as MCACA executive director and my last 25 years as a state employee contributing to arts and cultural development.  Creativity, ingenuity and talent are abundant in Michigan.  I eagerly look forward to my new assignment.  I hope I can be helpful and provide some leadership in positioning arts and culture as vital resources in Michigan's economic recovery and future growth."  

Carol Culham, deputy director for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs since 1996, will assume Boone's responsibilities as director for the council.     

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, an agency within the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, 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 Department of History, Arts and Libraries 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.  In addition to the arts council, it includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Film Office.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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