For the second consecutive year, Michigan’s arts-and-culture groups and stalwart cultural institutions will share $9.6 million in grants to support a range of artistic, educational and community building endeavors.
On September 9, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) approved grants for 2016-17 fiscal year to 459 organizations, including music festivals, art centers, school districts, historical societies along with world-class art museums and symphonies. The annual grant program attracted 558 applications from a broad geographical and cultural cross section of Michigan.
Arts-and-cultural groups from nearly three-quarters of the state’s 83 counties received grants. Additionally, more counties and communities will be reached through the regional re-granting mini-grant program.
For a complete grant recipient list, please visit www.michiganbusiness.org/cm/files/MCACA/2017_funding_plan_county.pdf.
“This year’s grants are a strong affirmation that the field is growing and the value of our programs is appreciated,” said MCACA Chair Drew Buchholz. “We tip our hat to Governor Snyder and the legislature for showing confidence in MCACA by supporting our appropriation.”
Grant recipients were recommended based on a rigorous peer review process, and submitted to the Governor’s Council before final approval from the MCACA board. Applications were adjudicated by 129 peer reviewers during the open panel process observed by 389 members of the public, either in person or on-line.
Recipients often leverage state arts grants in seeking to attract funding from other public, private and foundation sources.
“This has been the most difficult season of grant reviews since the days of the great recession,” said MCACA Executive Director John Bracey. “Then, the difficulty was so little money, now the issue is how to reach as many eligible organizations as possible around the entire state with our increased, albeit still limited funding.
“The field is vigorous, new organizations are emerging, small organizations are growing and the state’s largest organizations are expanding their reach,” he said.
MCACA serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity in Michigan. MCACA is an agency within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing arm focusing on business attraction, job creation, building Michigan’s image and fostering community development throughout the state.
MEDC manages Pure Michigan, a record-setting campaign that has elevated the state as a major tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world.