IMPORTANT Arts News affecting the MCACA minigrants for FY 2008

On March 29, Governor Jennifer Granholm issued a moratorium on state grants. Among the many organizations affected is the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), which serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan. MCACA’s many grant programs include its minigrants for non profit arts and cultural organizations. The Arts Alliance has been issuing MCACA minigrants to Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston Counties for the past three years.

Because of the moratorium, it is unknown which grant programs will survive for the FY 2008 granting period. However, John Bracey, the Executive Director of MCACA, is moving forward with FY 2008 programs. Although MCACA is not certain they will be receiving any funds for FY 2008, they are “encouraging everyone to continue participating in our grant application process.”

Therefore, the Arts Alliance will be accepting grant applications for the July 1, 2008 deadline. The projects submitted must take place anytime between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008.

As soon as the Arts Alliance is informed of any other developments in the current situation, we will update the website.

If you are interested in joining the Arts Alliance and other arts and cultural organizations in advocating support of arts and culture in Michigan, please contact Tamara Real at artsalliance@annarborchamber.org or at 734/214-0112.

Temporary Hold on State Cultural Grants Imposed by Gov. Granholm

In response to the state’s budget crisis (the worst such crisis in our lifetime, according to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments), Governor Granholm has issued an Executive Directive placing a moratorium on state grant expenditures.

We do not know how this will affect the distribution of FY07 MCACA minigrant funds or other FY MCACA grant programs. The Arts Alliance expects to learn more next week and will share this information as soon as it is available.

If you have not contacted your state legislators to express your views regarding public funding for arts and culture, NOW is an excellent time to do so.

Click this link to go to ArtServe Michigan’s Arts Advocacy Center where you can easily send an email to your legislator:
Contact your Legislator

The Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in Washtenaw County

Arts and Culture is an important part of the economic vitality of Washtenaw County, contributing $165 million annually in economic impact through direct expenditures and induced spending. To see the results of the Arts Alliance’s economic impact study, click here.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 for locally developed, high-quality arts and cultural projects. The Arts Alliance of the Ann Arbor Area (A5) is the regional regranting agency for the Minigrant Program in Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties.

For the Highlights Brochure, click here.
Click here to read an important update to the Minigrant application cycle.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs FY 2008 Grant Guidelines and Application are now available on the web. 

Congratulations to the FY2007 Round 2 MCACA minigrant recipients. Click here to see the full list and more information about the Minigrant Program.