Alan Brown's recent Audience Outlook Monitor paints a tentatively hopeful picture in light of the pandemic recovery trajectory. Orchestras and theatres are looking at a 60% to 65% reactivated customer base and about 10% to 15% more people would go out if distancing were offered. While this is positive news, artists + creative workers are still in recovery mode brought on by the past two years. Contributing to CW Aid makes a significant difference right here in Washtenaw county to offset these expenses.
See you on March 23 at the Blue Tractor!
Ann Arbor Film Festival is our co-host.
The first 10 guests to arrive receive FREE tickets for AAFF's 7:15 p.m. screening of FIC3 that evening at the Michigan Theater.
Join us for our monthly gathering with Washtenaw creatives to tell stories and laugh together - - back in-person this month!
Creative Washtenaw provides light refreshments. Beverages and meals are on you.
Register here so we know how many to expect.
Creative Washtenaw Happy Hour #27
March 23, 2022 4:30 - 6 p.m.@ Blue Tractor, Ann Arbor
CWHH is our monthly meet up with Washtenaw County artists and creative workers – some are regulars and others drop in when they can make it. CWHH is always the last Wednesday of the month (except Aug. and Dec.)
You raised your voice and the City of Ann Arbor heard you.
Ann Arbor's arts + creative industries are slated to receive $500,000 in funding.
We appreciate that City has been encouraging; that's a win, but more work needs to be done!
Ann Arbor's current American Rescue Plan Act proposal creates a grant program for artists but not to art institutions, creative nonprofits or businesses. As it currently reads, grants require artists to "sing for their supper" and pursue an artistic endeavor that would be displayed or performed in the City of Ann Arbor. As those of us in this sector know, the ecosystem of the arts + creative industries require collaboration between art institutions, non-profits or businesses and artists and performers. Economic recovery is a intended use of these ARPA funds to "fight the pandemic." Eliminating organizations means recovery remains elusive for them and creatives cannot use funds to replace lost wages, pay bills, reduce debt or invest funds in new work. Read Creative Washtenaw's response and recommendation to City Council on March 3. There is still time to work with City Council and staff to make sure the arts + creative industries are prioritized.
Call to Action: Time to get personal. Let City Council know how were you and are still impacted by the pandemic.
Please write and tell Ann Arbor's mayor, city council members, administrator and staff that you need these ARPA funds to assist in your recovery. If you weren't able to attend City Council's meeting on March 7, plan to attend on March 14 and speak during public commentary. Remember, any member of the public may reserve public commentary time at the beginning of a Council meeting. Call the city clerk's office at 734.794.6140 beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the meeting to reserve one of 10 public speaking times.
We will keep you updated; you may review City Council's calendar here in the meantime.
If you are planning to draft a letter, in your correspondence to City Council, please cc or bcc info@creativewashtenaw.org
You may also contact us with your ideas and suggestions at info@creativewashtenaw.org
We need artists, creatives and advocates to Run for office in 2022! Declare before April 19
The Michigan Independent Citizen's Redistricting Commission has officially voted to adopt State House maps along with State Senate and Congressional maps. This has resulted in many changes and leaves the future of creative industries unknown. Thankfully, you have the leverage in your district to champion the arts and creative industries. If you feel compelled to make an impact in your local legislature or know a colleague who is passionate about arts policy and advocacy, please encourage them to run for 2022 elections!
Run for state house, senate, local city councils, county commissions, school and library boards!
Next Steps:
How to Run for Office in Michigan
Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022
Michigan State Senate elections, 2022
Running for Office in Washtenaw County
Has your district changed? Review the new maps:
Adopted State House Maps (Hickory map)
Adopted State Senate Maps (Linden map)
Adopted Congressional Maps (Chestnut map)
Easy, stress-free application!
Michigan K-12 School Arts Equipment & Supplies Grants until April 16
AND
Michigan K-12 School Arts & Culture Trek (Bus) Grants
Michigan K-12 schools are eligible for grants of up to $1,500 to pay for arts equipment (including repairs of arts equipment) or supplies being used within the classroom/school setting. Michigan K-12 teachers in any arts discipline may apply for the grant including creative writing, dance, film/video, music, visual arts and theater. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis.
Learn more and read requirements for both grants here. If you have any questions about preparing for the application or in general, do not hesitate to contact us at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Reminder: Make Sure you Have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) by April 4
All organizations applying for FY23 and future grants through the MCACA will be required to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through the sam.gov website. The UEI is replacing the DUNS number beginning April 4, 2022, but you can apply for your UEI number now. Watch this helpful video to learn more. Also, see Arts Midwest's guide on the DUNS to UEI Transition. By April 4, 2022, your organization will need a UEI in order to receive funds for federal grant opportunities.
Tune-in to creative:impact hosted by Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw every Tuesday during Morning Edition at 7:49 a.m. and 9:49 a.m. Find archive editions here.
Chance encounters of the 3D kind
Mar. 8, 2022 - “Always look up” they say but in Ann Arbor, you should always LOOK DOWN so you don’t miss a chance encounter with Nadine the mouse or another of artist David Zinn's familiar characters who turn sidewalk imperfections into art. David Zinn's new book Chance Encounters launches this month. He stops in for a catch up with Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and host of WEMU 89.1's "creative:impact." Listen here.
Fluent in film, Anna Baumgarten and Danny Mooney return to Ann Arbor with 'Disfluency' March 8
Mar. 1, 2022 - Just a few years out of U of M’s film school, Anna Baumgarten is already an award-winning filmmaker. Hear her story and how, with the help of another U of M film grad, Danny Mooney, her film "Disfluency" grew from a short to an award-winning, feature-length film. They join host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and host of WEMU 89.1's "creative:impact." Listen here.
Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community.
Don't see your event listed? Become a member and email us your events!
The 60th Ann Arbor Film Festival - Get your Tickets!
The 60th Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) will occur on March 22 - 27, 2022 and will both online and in person for attendees. We are proud to be a community partner with the AAFF this year. Please attend our Creative Washtenaw Happy Hour on Wednesday, March 23 at Blue Tractor. The first 10 guests to arrive receive FREE tickets for AAFF's 7:15 p.m. Screening that evening at the Michigan Theater.
Cheryl Chidester's Exhibit at the Ann Arbor City Club
You are invited to attend the artist reception on Thursday, March 10 from 4-6 p.m. View a large collection of Cheryl's work created in the last couple of years and to check out the (member-owned) Club. The exhibit, which is located on the lower level, runs through April 10. If you can’t make the opening, feel free to stop in during business hours (M-F, 9-5 p.m. and Thursdays until 7 p.m). Learn more!
FoolMoon + FestiFools Plans Announced for 2022: Alice in WonderFools: Downtown. At Home. Online.
It's Year 12 for FoolMoon which happens on Friday, April 1st from 6 to 10 p.m. with socially distanced, interactive art and lighting installations in the Kerrytown, Main Street, and State Street districts. The FoolMoon Stroll + Roll invites everyone to dress up, light the luminaries and come downtown to see amazing art and share some love with local businesses. Learn more and join in the fun! FREE Community Workshops start on Sunday, March 6! Learn more about these workshops. Care to be a Foolish volunteer? Sign up here!
Young Dancers Initiative Photography Specialty Workshop
From finding the right photographer to styling choices that will best represent your artistry and brand, this workshop will cover all the things you need to know to make your next photo shoot a success. It will also cover best practices for documenting your creative work and choreography, sharing images digitally and more. April 2 from 10 - 12 p.m via Zoom. Register here.
The Society for Musical Arts - 2021 - 2022 Concert Season
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Ann Arbor City Club. A variety of performances and events. Learn more about the lineup here.
UMS 2022 Season of Performances
UMS launches Season 143 with both in person and virtual performances. Learn more about the lineup here.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra's 2022 Season of Performances
Express your Yes - Open Call Auditions
Calling all rebels, queers, performers, poets, radical activists and more looking to lift off on something magic. Learn more.
Riverside Arts Center Summer Camp 2022
June 22 - August 5, 2022. Production is at the heart of making art. Artists and theorists have long acknowledged its importance as both an artistic action and an idea to be explored. Register and learn more!
Want to add your events?
Event listings and calendar postings are an exclusive benefit for CW members. Members add your events using this form. *As a note, member events/happenings are prioritized, so do become a member if you are not already!*
Not a member? Click here for membership information.
"FoolMoon & FestiFools Returns April Fools’ Weekend" - Current Magazine
"Celebrating Black Artists: Olivia Guterson" - Current Magazine
"In Ypsilanti, an Idaho-based film company has opened its first location in Michigan" - List23
"Nonprofits, Leadership, and the Great Resignation" - Joan Garry Consulting
"The CDC explains how you should face the next phase of the pandemic" - CBS News
"New York Launches Program Offering Artists $1,000 a Month" - Backstage
"New Legislation Aims to Bring Filmmakers to Michigan" - 9&10 News
"Michigan redistricting panel sued again. This time, by its own member." - Bridge Michigan
"The pandemic isn’t over. What Michigan needs to do if there’s a next wave." - Bridge Michigan
"Local arts community draws up $2.4 million ‘economic recovery’ proposal for A2 Rescue Relief Funds" - We Love Ann Arbor
"Protecting the creative economy during COVID: Arts and the artists drive local economy" - The Hill
"Street Artist Turns Entire City Into His Personal Canvas With Whimsical Chalk Drawings" - My Modern Met
"Michigan House Approves More Pandemic Grants for Businesses"- U.S. News
"Charities lobbying to restore expanded tax deduction for giving" - Roll Call
"Just a Kid From Ypsi" event to feature Ypsi natives discussing their professional paths" - Concentrate
National
Deadline Today! The Kennedy Center: VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition
Young writers with disabilities are invited to submit a 'ten-minute script' of any genre. Scripts may be for plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, podcasts or other writing for performance. Learn more and apply by March 9, 2022.
Deadline Tomorrow! National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Creative Writing Fellowships
The National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. Learn more and apply. Deadline to apply is March 10, 2022.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Research Awards
The National Endowment for the Arts invites applicants to engage with the agency’s five-year research agenda through Research Grants in the Arts and NEA Research Labs. Learn more and apply by March 28, 2022.
US Artists International (USAI) Grants
This grant provides grants of up to $18,000 to artists and ensembles that have been invited to perform at international festivals and global performing arts marketplaces outside of the United States. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2022. Eligible engagements must happen between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Please read the guidelines to confirm eligibility.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Grant
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to populations that are underserved. Learn more here. Application deadline is April 21, 2022.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Translation Projects
Through fellowships to published translators, the National Endowment for the Arts supports projects for the translation of specific works of prose, poetry or drama from other languages into English. Learn more.
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) - Grants for Artists
Arts Administrators of Color Emergency Fund
Arts Administrators of Color has created the Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund, which supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artists and arts administrators impacted by COVID-19 through $200 microgrants. Learn more.
Opera America Grants for Companies and Artists
Our awards to individuals advance the careers of women and people of color in creative roles and highlight emerging artists. Learn more about grants opportunities.
There are several more grants available!
Please visit our website here for more listings.
Local, Regional & State
Recently Announced! Growing MI Business Grant Program
Available through March 31, 2022. The Growing MI Business grant program is a program by the State of Michigan to distribute up to $409 Million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to be awarded through grants to provide resources to businesses that meet certain criteria. The program will support businesses as defined by Public Act 132 of 2021. Individuals can apply for business resources online at Michigan.gov/abr. Of note, there are nine types of eligible businesses which include entertainment venues, recreational facilities and public places of amusement. Learn more! *Of note, nonprofit, tax exempt Michigan entertainment venues and places of amusement are excluded from applying for these funds.
Bridging Michigan Grants - Now Open
Michigan Humanities offering Bridging Michigan grants up to $1,500 that can be used to spark in-depth thinking and conversation around the persistent social, economic and cultural issues of systemic inequity that divide our communities. Diverse projects from across Michigan, addressing different themes and using a variety of public humanities formats, including reflective conversations, reading series, film screenings with discussions, web projects, walking tours, public lectures, panels and the creation of exhibits are invited to apply. Click here to learn more. Click here to apply.
Arts Midwest GIG (Grow, Invest, Gather) Fund Applications Open
The GIG Fund aims to support the arts throughout the Midwest by funding a variety of diverse performances across the region. Organizations must present performing or visual artists via at least two public events, which can be in-person or virtual. Apply by April 12, 2022. Learn more.
Announced: Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards
The Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Award will be presented every two years to single out two of the most promising of the new generation of U.S.-based jazz pianists, age 22 and younger. The first recipients will be announced in 2024. Learn more!
Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) FY23 Grants Announced
Visit our website here to learn more about Arts & Cultural Projects and Professional & Organizational Development (POD) grant requirements, materials and dates. Round 1 Deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022
Updated Resources List! For a complete list of local resources, please visit our updated list here. For resources beyond Washtenaw county, click here.
Open Call for Art - Riverside Arts Center
“Read it Again: Re-imagination of Children’s Book Covers,” will run March – May 2022, with the opening in conjunction with March Reading Month. This exhibition will be juried by Riverside Arts Center’s gallery committee. Both amateur and professional artists are welcome to apply.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival - Call for Volunteers!
Volunteer in a variety of ways by offering housing, postering, driving for filmmakers and more!
Northville Art House - Call for Independent Contracted Professional Artists & Art Teachers!
Access the application or the online form.
A2RU Presents 2022 Emerging Creatives Student Summit
Learning in Liminal Spaces: Transformative Visions for the 21 Century. The Summit will take place March 9-11 in Washington, D.C. at Steelcase’s WorkLife Center. Learn more and submit nominations.
Gutman Gallery - Call for Artists!
The Guild of Artists & Artisans calls all artists to submit work for fluid. man. woman. and the space between., an all media exhibition exploring what is inherently masculine or feminine and whether or not it’s even relevant. Deadline to submit is April 11 at 11:59 p.m.
Adrian Center for the Arts - Call for Art! "Risk" Juried Spring Exhibition
The Adrian Center for the Arts is welcoming work from artists living in the Michigan and Ohio counties bordering the ACA home county, Lenawee county, Michigan, to be a part of its juried spring exhibition, "Risk". Artists working in any media may submit original work which explores the concept of RISK in a creative, unique and original fashion, exploring the idea in artmaking, culture, myth, literature or your own life experience. Deadline to apply is April 15. Learn more. Interested artists should apply through the platform, CaFE, https://www.callforentry.org/. Artists must be from Lenawee, Jackson, Monroe, Washtenaw or Hillsdale counties in Michigan, and Lucas and Fulton counties in Ohio to submit entries.
Rapport Innovative Marketing - Digital Media Specialist
Internship Opportunity - The Guild of Artists & Artisans
Arts Midwest - Regional Program Coordinator Positions *remote*
Arts Midwest - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Midland Center for the Arts - President & CEO
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Several new openings.
Explore new positions at American Alliances of Museums
Explore new positions at Michigan Nonprofit Association
Rapport Innovative Marketing - Digital Media Specialist
Internship Opportunity - The Guild of Artists & Artisans
Arts Midwest - Regional Program Coordinator Positions *remote*
Arts Midwest - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Midland Center for the Arts - President & CEO
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Several new openings.
Explore new positions at American Alliances of Museums
Explore new positions at Michigan Nonprofit Association
If you would like to submit a job posting, please fill out our submission form here.
For more listings, please visit our jobs page here.
Survey: Destination Next by Pure Michigan
Contribute your thoughts on the gaps, key issues and opportunities for potential products, amenities, education, programming and experiences that would benefit the recovery of the tourism industry in your region. Access the survey!
MNA Presents the Michigan Nonprofit Leadership Survey
This survey asks about the identities of leadership, board members, staff and communities served. Access the survey!
Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) Anti-Racism Accountability and Action Cohort
6-part online series. Learn more and register.
Click here to subscribe to Creative Michigan Activist, where we list surveys at a regional and national level.
Local Advocacy & Action
RSVP to Join Senator Jeff Irwin for Coffee Hour on Saturday, March 19 via Zoom. Discuss the issues that most affect you! Registration deadline is 5 p.m. the day before the coffee hour.
Advocate for ARPA Funding for Ann Arbor's Arts + Creative Industries
Monitor Ann Arbor City Council Calendar for upcoming meetings.
Creative Washtenaw's Advocacy Education Resources
Visit our website page here for Advocacy & Action facts, figures and recommended reading.
Contact Ann Arbor City Council with Feedback on American Rescue Funds Spending and Projects
Run for 2022 State and House Legislature in Michigan
Looking for Statewide and Federal Action Items?
Sign up for Artrain's biweekly e-news digest: The Creative Michigan Activist.
As a Reminder! National Arts Action Summit is Coming Up
The National Arts Action Summit is an annual multi-day digital event bringing together arts advocates from across the country. Following the National Arts Action Summit, advocates meet with their congressional leaders during Arts Advocacy Week. The 2022 National Arts Action Summit will take place virtually March 28-30.
Stay Alert with the Michigan Vaccine Tracker
We've been monitoring a most helpful and interactive COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard that you can monitor for real-time updates. This Tracker includes vaccinations of Michiganders received both in-state and out-of-state, allowing the state to provide more comprehensive data on vaccination milestones as they are reached. Bridge Michigan also has an updated COVID-19 case tracker available.
Washtenaw County COVID-19 Resources
Gov. Whitmer drop mask suggestion, Michigan getting 'back to normal' - The Bridge
March 7 Update on COVID-19 Cases in Washtenaw county
Click here for new resources for face coverings and recommendations.
Bracing for Hope - COVID Numbers Drop
Where to get K95/KN95 and COVID Tests in Michigan
Looking for more resources? We have migrated much of our COVID-19 content to our website.
Visit Washtenaw County's central COVID-19 page with resources about vaccines, alerts, travel restrictions, case updates and more. Click here for a more detailed breakdown of cases and demographics. Not in Washtenaw County? Find your county vaccine registration information here.
Learn here about the free or low-cost rides in Washtenaw county.
State/Regional
Federal
"The CDC explains how you should face the next phase of the pandemic" - CBS News
Get Free COVID-19 Tests Delivered to your Door
Omicron Variant - What you Need to Know - CDC
CDC Health Action Network - Emergency Preparedness Resources
National Endowment for the Arts COVID-19 Resources
For a more comprehensive list, please visit our website here.
Visit our updated 411 page for Workers + Businesses Federal, State & Local!
Visit here. This page is filled with helpful resources for all things IRS, SBA, official orders and more. A sampling below:
Washtenaw and local
Washtenaw County Flood Resources
Washtenaw United Way - Food and Essential Services
Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
Michigan
SBA Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
Michigan Coronavirus Racial Disparities Task Force - Recommendations Report
Registered Apprenticeships (LEO)
Paycheck Protection Act Testing Plan: Michigan
COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Michigan Clean Water Plan - EGLE
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Overhaul (PSLF)
Federal
Biden Administration Extends Pause on Student Loan Payments
Pay Off Part of the Deferral of Payroll Taxes
SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal
Living Wage Calculator - estimates the cost of living in your community or region based on typical expenses.
Join the Arts Action Fund to advance the arts and arts education in your community and across the country.
It's FREE and takes just a minute. Add your name and be counted so Congress know there are millions of arts and creative workers, businesses and citizens who insist that arts and creativity are critical to our country. Join here for updates and calls to action.
Annual Arts Action Fund membership is free and your online benefits include:
- Membership to vote on the legislative policy platforms
- Breaking news and legislative alerts from the E-Advocacy center
- Quarterly updates through Arts Action eNews
- Exclusive access to the member's only Arts Action Fund PAC
WEMU 89.1 FM - Local news coverage plus local arts + creative coverage including Art & Soul with Lisa Barry, Cinema Chat with the Michigan Theater's Russ Collins and creative:impact with Creative Washtenaw's own Deb Polich.
Bridge Magazine - Michigan's nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that provides passionate and rooted Michigan readers with honest, fact-driven journalism on the state’s diverse people, politics and economy.
All About Ann Arbor - offers local news, feature stories, restaurant news, sports news, latest events in town and more for Ann Arbor residents.
Concentrate Magazine - tells the narrative of Washtenaw County’s narrative people and businesses, new development, cool places to live, and the best places to work and play. The weekly online magazine is published Wednesdays.
For the fastest updates and breaking news!
- Follow Creative Washtenaw on Facebook
- Follow Creative Washtenaw on Twitter
Creative Washtenaw's COVID-19 Support Page
- Resources - including advocacy, support and affiliation agencies
- Aid, assistance and grants for artists, creatives and organizations - COVID-19
The Arts + Creative Industries Guide
With links to creative members and businesses.
Featuring hundreds of artists, creative workers, businesses and ally members, this is your guide to what makes Creative Washtenaw, and the greater Ann Arbor area one of Michigan’s strongest and most vibrant arts + creative industry hubs.
Creative Washtenaw is the arts + creative industry authority in Washtenaw County. A regional agency, its mission is to support, assist, aid and act in the interest of artists, creative workers, organizations, businesses, educational and government entities to ensure that the greater Ann Arbor, Michigan, region remains a great place to create, live, work, learn, play and visit.
The intrinsic and aesthetic values of the arts and creativity are determining factors of success for Creative Washtenaw members. They include local artists and creative people – professionals, amateurs, students and industry experts leading the sector locally, nationally and internationally – those with creative practices, businesses and holding creative jobs in profit, nonprofit, educational and government entities. With deep connections to Washtenaw County, they make the greater Ann Arbor area one of Michigan's strongest and most vibrant arts + creative industry hubs.
Creative Washtenaw serves Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake and Ypsilanti plus the 21 townships in the county. It is committed to, forever evolving and learning about diversity, equity and inclusion. This includes learning how its community defines the intrinsic and aesthetic qualities of art and creativity by the cultural expert, the credentialed scholar, the journeyed or self-taught master and/or the astute consumer of the form.
Creative Washtenaw is supported by its members, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
For more information, please go to Creative Washtenaw or contact info@creativewashtenaw.org or call or 734-213-2733.
