The State's Cultural Economic Development Strategy includes fostering community cultural economic development by increasing awareness and understanding in communities of how arts and culture can be leveraged to cause local and regional business growth, strengthen community cultural economic development incentives, and promote and market key arts and cultural industries.   As an implementation priority, the strategy calls for the establishment of a cultural economic development readiness pathway; creating a series of action steps, requirements, programming, resources and training for communities actively seeking to engage in cultural economic development.  The first step is to "jump start" the pathway development process and provide immediate assistance and support to targeted communities.  The initiative offers technical assistance, consultation, and peer-mentoring. 

Idlewild, Michigan, a unique African-American community which is also federally designated as a National Historic Register Community and National Enterprise Community, was invited to participate in the initiative.   Idlewild is significant as the largest land based historically African American resort community ever assembled in the United States. It was founded in 1912 as a summer resort surrounding spring fed lakes and marketed to African Americans during an era of segregation.  The rustic retreat emerged as a vital spot on the entertainment circuit for fledgling young African American entertainers increasing Idlewild's prominence as a tourism destination.  With tourists from all over the Midwest, Idlewild reached its peak in 1959 with over 25,000 vacationers and residents. 

When the 1964 Civil Rights Act opened up other resorts to African-Americans, Idlewild's boomtown period ended.  The consequence was significant social and economic loss and population decline.  Despite these circumstances African-Americans throughout the United States still maintain strong ties to Idlewild and the community remains an important heritage landmark.

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs funding helped jump start Idlewild on its path to revitalization.   Grant # 06 PR 0019 SVsupported implementation of the FY 2006 Community Cultural Economic Development Initiative and provided cultural economic development consultation, peer mentoring, and technical assistance.  A formal report was produced.

A series of state partner and community consultations with a group of specially selected national experts National Resource Team (NRT) in various aspects of cultural economic development in historic African-American communities were implemented.   In-depth discussion, research, consultation and analysis resulted in recommendations and a published report. 

The NRT was provided with the vision and goal for the initiative: to assist Yates Township citizens and property owners to preserve, restore and develop Idlewild, Michigan, as a national rural retreat, resort and high value tourism destination; and to help Idlewild achieve prosperity by assisting the community in leveraging its natural environment, historic buildings, cultural heritage, creative talent and cultural assets to spur financial investment and economic growth.

NRT advisors had responsibility for the following:

• Reviewing pertinent documents, materials and data regarding the community's history, culture, economy and environment
• Conducting a community site visit for initial cultural asset identification and community engagement
• Giving the community initial exposure to opportunities, technologies and resources for cultural economic development, specifically related to heritage preservation and cultural tourism
• Engaging community leaders and residents in dialogue to "flesh out" an understanding of community goals and priorities
• Reporting findings and recommendations
• Working in collaboration with HAL agencies and partners as necessary

NRT members:

Mr. Stephen Carter                                                      Ms. Lydia C. Charles, Ph.D.                                        

Landscape Architect, ASLA                                        Cultural Historian

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                                     Washington, D.C.        

Mobile, Alabama                                                                                                                     

Mr. Everett L. Fly                                                          Dr. Gloria House, Ph.D.

Landscape Architect, FASLA                                       Humanist/Poet/Publisher

Architect, NCARB Certified                                          Detroit, Michigan

San Antonio, Texas                                                     

Mr. Perry Howard                                                        Mrs. N.Y. Nathiri

Landscape Architect, FASLA                                       Executive Director

North Carolina A & T State University                          Preserve the Eatonville Community

Greensboro, North Carolina                                          Eatonville, Florida

The NRT visited Idlewild, Michigan, reviewed documented information and data, conducted a site visit, met with and engaged community members, worked with state partners, and reported findings and recommendations.  The published report can be found online at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal/idlewild_179203_7.pdf