Creative nonprofits have been one of the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic. Your support takes many forms - a donation to Creative Washtenaw aid, becoming a member, going to a local concert, show, museum or attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year. The sobering report from The Independent Sector reveals that "the sector has lost 829,183 jobs as of March 2021, as compared to pre-COVID employment levels." That is why every bit of support counts. Consider making a donation to Creative Washtenaw aid today to make a difference right here in our community. Help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 in aid! If you are seeking support, aid is still available! Apply today for artist restart funds.
Join us! We are a collection of artists, creative workers, professionals, amateurs businesses, students and industry experts. We work synergistically across sectors with donors and ally members to sustain this community. A Creative Washtenaw membership affords you stock in the arts + creative community, keeps you informed, connects you to other creatives and champions our community of resilience and talent.
Add your name as a creative or ally member here. We all benefit because we rely on each other! Both creative and ally members receive numerous benefits from membership. Click here to learn more.
SBA SVOG Update: Shoutout to Region 9 Awardees!
As of July 12, several Michigan organizations have received SVOG awards. An updated list of SVOG grantees is posted on the SBA site here every Monday. The Region 9 grantees report as of July 12:
Washtenaw County, $3,428,734 total granted to date:
- Fleming & Associates Inc.
- Happy Ventures Inc. (Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase)
- Kerrytown Concert House Inc.
- Michigan Theater Foundation
- Mike Green & Associates Inc.
- Open Floor LLC
- Paint and Pour LLC
- Tamulevich Artist Management, LTD.
- The Encore Musical Theatre Company
- The Purple Rose Theatre Company
- Theatre Nova
- Young People's Theater
Lenawee County, $78,932 total granted to date:
Jackson County, $503,398 total granted to date:
Monroe County, $484,148 total granted to date:
Livingston County, $88,292 total granted to date:
We will continue to monitor the SBA SVOG Data & Resources awardee reports in the coming weeks. Click here for a graph depicting the award disbursement progress, courtesy of Greg Sheehan, President of OSM Advisors, and posted to the SVOG Act Now Facebook group. Read the July 1 letter from Representative Brenda Lawrence (M-14) urging SBA Administrator Guzman to release funds to eligible entities of the SVOG grant. Michigan advocacy truly does pay off!
Reminder: NEA's American Rescue Plan Fund Guidelines are Out!
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) released guidelines and application materials for two programs to distribute American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. These programs are open to nonprofit arts and culture organizations and local arts agencies, regardless of whether they have received NEA funding in the past. 40% of these funds will be awarded to 62 state, jurisdictional, and regional arts organizations. The NEA will award the remaining 60% of the funding in competitive grants to support jobs in the arts and culture sector and keep the doors open to nonprofit organizations and local arts agencies nationwide. The application deadline for arts and cultural organizations is Aug. 12, 2021. Learn more here. *Note: We have included more detail on the range of grants available in our grant section of the e-newsletter.*
Represent Your Region 9 County!
Seeking grant reviewers from Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Monroe Counties.
Grant reviewers represent their community's values and understand the arts and cultural programs that will best serve their regions.
Having a more inclusive panel creates diversity and fosters new connections across the region. Plus, serving on a panel is a fabulous way to learn about arts and creative offerings in Region 9. Please join us! Click here to start your grant reviewer application.
FY22 Minigrants are due Tuesday, Aug. 3
$4,000 Arts & Cultural Projects Minigrants
Arts & Cultural Projects Minigrants provide special opportunities to address local arts and cultural needs. These projects connect communities with the world by exploring, sharing and supporting creative expression. Learn more.
$1,500 Professional & Organizational Development
Professional & Organizational Development minigrants assist nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, artists, cultural specialists, administrators and educators with opportunities that specifically improve their management and/or bring the individual or the organization to another level artistically.
Find all the minigrant details here or contact us at info@creativewashtenaw.org or 734-213-2733 for more information.
Tune-in to creative:impact co-hosted by Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU's David Fair every Tuesday during Morning Edition at 7:49 a.m. and 9:49 a.m. Find archive editions here.
Neutral Zone Is Put Into High Gear By Mackenzie Scott And Dan Jewett
July 6, 2021 - Mackenzie Scott and Dan Jewett recently gave away $2.7 billion to “286 teams empowering voices the world needs to hear.” Neutral Zone (NZ) was surprised to learn they were on the list! Lori Roddy, NZ’s executive director, talks about the impact of this transformative gift with "creative:impact's" co-hosts, Creative Washtenaw’s Deb Polich and WEMU’s David Fair. Listen here.
Anticipation: The Ann Arbor Art Fair From A Local Artist’s View-Part 1!
July 13, 2021 - Karin Wagner Coron has exhibited at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair for years. She has a routine: how many works to have in inventory and what to pack to be ready. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of last year’s Art Fair. In the first of a two part series, Karin talks about that disruption and what she anticipates for the 2021 Art Fair. Next week, she’ll be back to tell "creative:impact’s" co-hosts, Creative Washtenaw’s Deb Polich and WEMU’s David Fair, how the Art Fair went. Listen here.
Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community
Stamps School of Arts & Design - Halal Metropolis Exhibition
The Halal Metropolis exhibition, by artist Osman Khan, photographer Razi Jafri, and historian Sally Howell, explores the facts, fictions, and imaginaries of the Muslim population(s) in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. It alludes to the established and growing Muslim population in Detroit and its metro area, one of the largest and most diverse Muslim populations in the U.S., whose visibility is both pronounced and extremely present in the city, yet whose narrative seems unusually silent in the larger Detroit story. Free event. On display until July 17.
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Reopens
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History reopens to the public on a limited basis beginning Friday June 25, following 15 months of closure. Admission for individuals and families is free but advance reservations are required. Learn more about exhibits here.
The University of Michigan Museum of Arts (UMMA) Reopens!
Plan your visit to UMMA and make a free reservation here.
22 North Gallery Presents: All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis
This group exhibition addresses a diverse range of topics relating to the climate crisis, including climate refugees, species extinction, water pollution, sea level rise, overconsumption, erosion, river ecology and environmental myths. Participating artists include sculptor and mixed media artist, Nancy Cohen; installation artist, Kate Dodd; painter, designer and sculptor, Laura Earle; mixed media artist Tracey Easthope; installation and mixed media artist, Elizabeth Barick Fall; painter, public artist and writer, Susan Hoffman Fishman; multi media artist and designer, Gina R. Furnari; and printmaker, mixed media and installation artist, Leslie Sobel. The event runs July 2 - Aug. 28. Gallery hours Saturdays 6-9 p.m. and Sundays 3-6 p.m. Make an appointment here.
Chelsea Area Festival & Events Presents 2021 Sights & Sounds
Sounds & Sights Thursday Nights is back! This year’s abbreviated seven-week long summer concert series announced a 2021 line-up filled with an amazing variety of art and live music. Chelsea Area Festivals & Events (CAFE) is excited to welcome visitors back to Chelsea to explore its unique blend of music, arts, shops and dining. The complete schedule can be found at www.chelseafestivals.com or by following Facebook and Instagram handles @chelseafestivals. Sounds & Sights Thursday Nights runs July 1 to Aug. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. throughout downtown Chelsea. Many business and restaurants are open before, during and after street events end.
Artist Residency Program at Riverside Arts Center
It's not too late to apply to Riverside Arts Center's Artist in Residence program. Space is open for clean media in our beautiful dance studio featuring a full wall of windows, two walls of mirrors, a bathroom and a separate foyer. Availability in May, June and July 2021. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed the first week of each month. In order to be considered, all materials must be received no later than midnight the month preceding.
Jodie Randolph Dance Intensive - First Class Free!
An immersive experience with back to back classes in Contemporary and Improvisation techniques. For dancers ages 13 and up. If you are a new participant at the JRD Summer One-Day Intensive, we would like to offer you a unique benefit for registering because we value your support and are always looking to add more dance enthusiasts to our community! If you would like to take advantage of this deal, make sure you email info@youngdancersinitiative.
Chelsea Arts Initiative - Advocates for the arts, to strengthen our community socially, economically and aesthetically
For more than a decade, Chelsea was a vibrant, energetic visual and performing arts community. As a result of the financial crisis in 2008, most of the brick-and-mortar art businesses closed. While there are fewer places and overt reasons to gather around the arts, the artists and boundless soul of creativity remain. That is the backdrop to how CAI emerged and took shape. CAI has created a public group Facebook Page for community creatives to share their stories, events, artistic ideas. Embedded in the Facebook Page is a Google Questionnaire to collect information about the creative community. The data will become part of a centralized "ART HUB" directory for all things cultural art—a first step toward advocating, unifying and strengthening Chelsea's cultural arts community. The vision includes engaging with the larger regional creative community, including Creative Washtenaw, to support Chelsea's Arts Community.
Downtown Manchester's Third Thursdays Kick Off
Downtown Manchester hosts artists, a vendors market, street buskers, live music, local dining, a petting zoo, hay rides, museum and more! Third Thursdays of the month through Sept. from 5 - 8 p.m. Learn more.
Dexter Plein Air Festival
To participate in this year’s festival please use this form to register. We’ll email you a confirmation with additional information. If you have any issues with the registration form, please send an email to paintdexter@gmail.com. Deadline to register is Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, at 5 p.m. Learn more about the festival on their page here.
Ann Arbor and Dexter Community Farmers Markets
Visit Dexter's Facebook page here and Ann Arbor's here to keep up with market events and festivities.
Cinetopia Kicks off May 2021/Young Filmmakers Camp
Click here to view the upcoming virtual movie palace showings. Do you have or know a 13- to 18-year-old who loves movies and storytelling? Reserve your young filmmaker's spot now for this summer's MTF Young Filmmakers Camp.
Neutral Zone's Summer Programs & Workshops
This summer, Neutral Zone offers six weeks of safe, socially-distant outdoor summer programs in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. All programs are free. Weekly workshops will run until Aug. 3 on one of the days of the week. Register for programs. Learn more about each program.
Riverfolk Music & Arts Gazebo Concerts
Concerts are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and free! Proceeds from donations will benefit Featured Performers and Riverfolk programming. Learn more about their show schedule here.
Adrian Center for the Arts - Watercolor Exhibitions & Workshops
Adrian Center for the Arts is hosting the Michigan watercolor society tour and have two workshops this fall. Workshop dates are Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 -3. Click here to register for the workshops. To view the watercolor gallery and learn more about the exhibits, click here.
Want to add your events?
Event listings and calendar postings are an exclusive benefit for CW members. We would be happy to welcome you as a member! If there is a specific event within a series that you would like us to include, please email us a press release or announcement at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Click here for membership information.
‘MI Shot to Win Sweepstakes’ Win Cash, College Scholarships
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the MI Shot to Win Sweepstakes, a new incentive program to encourage more Michiganders to get vaccinated. The sweepstakes will give vaccinated residents a chance to win a combined total of more than $5 million in cash and nine $55,000 college scholarship via a lottery raffle. As of Wednesday, June 30, about 61% of adults in the state received at least one vaccine dose. Enter here.
Investments to Suppor
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the recipients of grants totaling more than $15.6 million to help get Michigan back to work. Grant funds will support the creation of MiLEAP Navigators who will provide job seekers direct assistance in assessing and overcoming barriers, identifying resources and providing guidance and support. MiLEAP participants will receive individualized competency-based assessments and learning plans that include skills assessments, remote learning opportunities, high school and industry recognized credential attainment and contextual learning opportunities. Learn more about the MiLEAP program here. MiLEAP aligns with Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.
Food and Rental Assistance is Here
On June 23, Governor Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill to invest $2.2 billion in federal COVID relief funding to support the recovery of individuals, families, and businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding helps families put food on the table through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and keep a roof over their head through the Emergency Rental A
Audience Outlook Monitor: Confidence Rises in Public Activities!
Latest Briefing from June 14 (next briefing July 19)
Find Alan Brown's report on the latest audience survey results here.
Key Takeaways:
Between 70% and 80% are eating at restaurants
Roughly a third of vaccinated folks are waiting for conditions to approve, and a third of folks feel vulnerable to Covid-19
Resumption of demand inches higher: Hypothetically, 85% would go out to an indoor event this week, but only 31% would do so without masks and distancing requirements
The calendar for returning has improved a bit, with 10% to 15% not coming until Jan. 2022 or thereafter
The mask dilemma: 40% won’t go out WITHOUT a mask requirement; 14% won’t go out WITH such a requirement
The vaccinated-only admittance dilemma: 27% won’t go out without this policy; 17% won’t go out with such a policy – feelings run hot
Suddenly, large swaths of demand hinge on mask requirements and vaccinated-only admittance policies
Watch the latest "Deep Dive" from June 7 exploring "Vaccinated but Reluctant: A Close Examination of Who’s Not Ready to Go Out."
Find the latest S.E. Michigan Report here (courtesy of CultureSource.)
"These Drama Students Trained for Years. Then Theater Vanished." - The New York Times
"The Moment to Invest in Arts Education" - New York Daily News
"What Michigan needs to know about the July 15 Child Tax Credit payments" - Bridge Michigan
"Tech as Art: Supporting Artists Who Use Technology as a Creative Medium" - National Endowment for the Arts
"The State of the Folk and Traditional Arts 2021" - National Endowment for the Arts
"New California Budget Includes $150 million for Independent Music Venues" - Billboard
"From halal burgers to a "galactic gift shop," these Ypsi-area businesses opened during COVID-19" - Concentrate
"10 Questions for Analyzing a Museum's Social Media Presence" - Upward Anthems Blog
"Artists and Entrepreneurs...Stop Wasting Time on Social Media!" - Upward Anthems Blog
"Ypsi Writes: A Public Art & Writing Tour" - YpsiWrites
"Folk music venue The Ark to reopen in Ann Arbor on July 29" - All About Ann Arbor, Click on Detroit
"Michigan Invests in its Talent Ecosystem" - MEDC, Area Development
"Bill's Hot Dog Stand Brings Homemade Specialties Right to Your Car" - Current Magazine
"Ypsilanti Frog Island Jazz Series Kicks Off Friday, July 2" - Current Magazine
"Street artist David Zinn to 'hide' drawings throughout Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair" - All About Ann Arbor (Click on Detroit)
"Here's what's different about Ann Arbor's Art Fair this year" - MLive
"Ann Arbor Art Center launches crowdfunding campaign for new downtown murals, alleyway projects" - Click on Detroit
"Acclaimed Performing Artist and Educator Michael McElroy Named Chair of Musical Theatre" - School of Music Theatre & Dance, University of Michigan
"Support LGBTQ+ Youth: Advice from Two Pride Club Teachers" - Ann Arbor Family
"Neutral Zone one of "286 teams empowering voices the world needs to hear" - The Neutral Zone
National ~ American Rescue Funds through the NEA ~ Applicant Q&As
National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Funding Opportunities
The National Endowment for the Arts recently released guidelines and application materials for two programs to distribute American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. These programs are open to nonprofit arts and culture organizations and local arts agencies, regardless of whether they have received NEA funding in the past. This is a change from previous emergency funding requirements at the NEA and significantly expands access to federal funds for the arts and culture sector. The NEA is offering Applicant Q&A sessions throughout July and August. Please click here to review dates and attend a session.
Rescue Plan funding is available through two separate competitive opportunities:
• Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting (Deadline: July 22, 2021)
• Grants to Organizations (Deadline: Aug. 12, 2021)
Before applying for Arts Endowment funding, you will need to obtain a DUNS number and register at SAM.gov and grants.gov. Registration can take several weeks, so you should begin the process as soon as possible. Guidelines, application materials and applicant resources are available here. Additional resources available here. For more information on American Rescue Plan Grants, click here.
Applicant Resources Landing Page
Applying for Federal Grants for the First Time?
Volunteer to be a National Endowment for the Arts Panelist
NEA Grants/Funding Opportunities for Individuals
SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program
The American Rescue Plan Act authorizes SBA to establish the Community Navigator Pilot Program to make grants to or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, private nonprofit organizations, SBA Resource Partners, States, Tribes and units of entities. Deadline July 12. Program details here.
SaveArtSpace - Van Der Plas Gallery x Al Diaz - Call for Submissions!
We invite artists of all ages and talents to submit their artwork between June 24 and Aug. 9, 2021. This is your opportunity to have your artwork on ad space in New York City with Al Díaz. Learn more and submit.
Foundation for Contemporary Arts: FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund
Deadline: Sept. 15, 2021. The FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund provides $2,000 one-time relief grants to offset unplanned losses incurred by artists who were anticipating income from ticket sales, artist fees, or other earnings related to a scheduled performance or exhibition unexpectedly canceled or indefinitely postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. The focus is on support on artists making work of a contemporary, experimental nature. Applicants must be individual artists, or an individual representing an artist collective, ensemble or group. Learn more.
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.
Behind the Scenes Grant
Behind the Scenes Grants are available to anyone working in the entertainment technology industry who has been hospitalized with Covid-19 and is in financial need. Applicants should be directly involved with production behind the scenes in any type of performance venue, behind the camera or on the road. Learn more and apply.
There are several more grants available!
Please visit our website here for more listings.
Additional Resources:
A Complete Guide to 2021 Artist Grants & Opportunities | Artwork Archive
Tapping American Rescue Fund (ARF) State and Local Block Grants for the Arts
Grant Station - provides nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies with the opportunity to identify potential funding sources for their programs or projects as well as resources to mentor these organizations through the grantseeking process.
Local, Regional & State
Deadline Tomorrow! Unique Residency Opportunity for emerging and established visual artists; retreat to Leland, Michigan
Tusen Takk (Tusen Takk Foundation) welcomes applications from both emerging and established visual artists working primarily in photography, printmaking, sculpture, painting, as well as creative writers and composers. Artists receive free housing, an honorarium of $625 a week, and more. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: July 15, 2021
Deadline Soon! 22 North Open Call for New Art - Beeline 2021
Submissions due July 20. Call for art, with a slightly extended deadline! You're invited to submit work to Beeline 2021, the Ninth Festival of the Honeybee Art Exhibition. Click image below for more details!
Call for Art! Chelsea Student Art Show
Deadline to submit is July 23. Quarterly art exhibitions to be installed and showcased within the new Raymond James Financial Services office in Chelsea, Michigan. Approximately 50 art objects created by local and regional artists to be on display for the time period of approximately four months. Each exhibition will be coordinated to match a given theme. The theme for August through November 2021 is "Student Art." Learn more and apply here.
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Rising Leaders Initiative
Over a six-month period, 15 participants participate in a series of activities that includes three intensives focusing on self-awareness and self-management; mutual influence; and gaining tools to create communities and a state where everyone can experience and express creativity in their daily lives. Participants commit to three in person meetings as well as individual reflection work. MCACA is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 cohort of Rising Leaders (running Oct. 2021 - April 2022). Download the application here. The deadline to apply is July 30, 2021. Learn more.
Local CAFE Grants for the Arts - Chelsea Area Festivals & Events
Are you passionate about the future of arts in the Chelsea community? Do you have an idea for an artistic project but searching for financial assistance to make it happen? The CAFE Grants for the Arts is a program that can help turn your artistic ideas into action. CAFE Grants for the Arts will provide one-time, unrestricted grants of $1,000 each to five artists to help continue the artistic and creative efforts that make performing and visual arts such a vital part of our community. The recipients of the grants will be announced in September. Apply here. Deadline July 31.
The 60th Ann Arbor Film Festival Begins its Call for Entries
Those who wish to participate in the upcoming film festival have from now until (at the latest) Sept. 30 to enter films for consideration. The AAFF offers around $22,500 in both cash and in kind awards each year. Additionally, awards from the AAF can help filmmakers qualify for Oscar Nominations by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ short film category. Check online for a complete list of possible awards. For more rules, information, and to submit a film to the festival, be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Film Festival website for more details.
Arts Midwest GIG Fund Grant
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. The GIG Fund is a flexible grant of $2,500 that helps organizations bring touring artists into their community. Deadline to apply is Oct. 5. Learn more about timeline and application here.
Sphinx Venture Fund and Sphinx Lead Applications
Through competitive grants, Sphinx Venture Fund catalyzes initiatives designed to solve a challenge or an issue related to DE&I in the performing arts sphere, with an emphasis on classical music. Learn more and apply here. Apply by Sept. 30, 2021. The application is also now open for Sphinx LEAD, a two-year professional empowerment program designed to evolve the landscape of arts leadership. Learn more here. Apply by Oct. 20, 2021.
$892,400 Awarded to Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs in American Rescue Plan Funds
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that Michigan is to receive its first phase of state funding from the American Rescue Plan. As far as direct grants to organizations, 60% of ARP funds will be distributed to nonprofits by the Arts Endowment. Stay tuned!
To receive updates on the NEA’s American Rescue Plan grant opportunities, please fill out this form.
Creative Capital - A nonprofit organization that supports forward-thinking and adventurous artists across the country through funding, counsel, gatherings and career development services. View national artist opportunities and residencies with upcoming deadlines in June and July 2021. View resources, workshops and articles.
Updated Resources List! For a complete list of local resources, please visit our updated list here. For resources beyond Washtenaw county, click here.
Interlochen Arts Camp, Artist in Residence, Animation
Art Ops, Director of Marketing & Arts Administration Associate
Ford House, Digital Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Michigan Historic Preservation Network Executive Director
One America Movement - Michigan Regional Outreach Manager
Capital Region Community Foundation - Finance and Operations Associate
Michigan Opera Theatre, Director of Marketing and Communications
Interlochen Arts Camp, Artist in Residence, Animation
Art Ops, Director of Marketing & Arts Administration Associate
Ford House, Digital Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Michigan Historic Preservation Network Executive Director
One America Movement - Michigan Regional Outreach Manager
Capital Region Community Foundation - Finance and Operations Associate
Michigan Opera Theatre, Director of Marketing and Communications
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Job Board and Postings
Alternatives for Girls - Marketing and Communications Manager
If you would like to submit a job posting, please forward it to info@creativewashtenaw.org.
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Job Board and Postings
Alternatives for Girls - Marketing and Communications Manager
If you would like to submit a job posting, please forward it to info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Changes Their Name - Your Input Valued! Deadline July 30.
Reply to mcaca@michigan.org no later than July 30 with your ideas for what you think is the perfect name for the Council.
Charitable Giving grew 5.1% in 2020, 'Giving USA' finds
Total charitable giving grew 5.1% on a year over year basis in 2020 (3.8%, adjusted for inflation), the latest edition of the Giving USA report finds. Produced by the Giving USA Foundation and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Giving USA 2021: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2020 (key findings, 5 pages, PDF) estimates that charitable giving totaled $471.44 billion last year, up from a revised $448.66 billion in 2019. Read Candid's report here.
Study Participation: Participate in The Audience Outlook Monitor Study for a small number of individual organizations.
There are a few spots available for individual organizations for a limited time. You can learn more about participating as an individual organization and register to participate here. If you have any questions about participating as an individual organization please contact Alan Kline at alan.kline@wolfbrown.com.
MIVPA Survey: Don't Call It a Comeback: A MIVPA Survey About the Return to Live
Contribute to Americans for the Arts' Database. Help create a database of projects that use American Rescue Plan block grants to support arts and culture by completing this form for Americans for the Arts. This database will serve to inspire others who want to do similar work in their communities as well as demonstrate to advocates, the media, legislators, and decision makers the vital role arts and culture play in our social and economic recovery. Please take five minutes and share your project. Here is the link directly to the database.
Still Open! Community Needs Survey Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
The University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine's COVID-19 and Social Distancing Study - Click here to participate in the study today!
Local
Visit our website page here for Advocacy & Action facts, figures and recommended reading.
State/Regional
Consider including this letter to congressional leaders in communications you have with state and local government officials and their statewide associations. The letter reiterates the impressive actions of nonprofits during the pandemic and stresses the many ongoing challenges that nonprofits continue to face.
Federal
2021 Arts Infrastructure Recovery Proposal - Your Signature Requested!
Please sign this letter supporting "Rebuilding America's Arts Infrastructure" and share it with other arts organizations. Read the proposal here.
“Creative Economy Revitalization Act” drafted
Rep. Leger Fernandez (D-NM) is planning to draft a bill that proposes an arts and recovery program. Language of the legislation has been drafted. To support this bill, sign this Endorsement of Creative Economy Revitalization Act. Click here to read the proposal.
ARP State and Local Government Block Grants for Arts and Culture - Your Input of Value!
Help create a database of projects that use American Rescue Plan block grants to support arts and culture. Please take 5 minutes and share your project. Please share this survey with others doing this work and let's build a robust database that changes hearts and minds. Here is a link to the form.
National Council of Nonprofits - New Report Hot off the Press!
This new resource contains principles and recommendations that can be shared with state and local officials on the importance of working with nonprofits to restore local economies. It also offers nearly four dozen different models of programs that are being used across the country to provide funding for nonprofits to serve local communities. Click here to review!
Tell Congress: Support Funding for the IMLS Office of Museum Services
Arts Action Campaigns | Americans for the Arts - the latest campaigns and petitions to sign and take part in.
Stand for the Arts Action Center - Visit their main site here to get involved and follow their robust advocacy, press and outreach initiatives.
Other Resources:
Stay Informed 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 as the state embarks on Michigan's "Vacc to Normal" plan. 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.
Washtenaw County COVID-19 Resources
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.
Where to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine | Washtenaw County |
State/Regional
Federal
CDC Guidelines for Those Fully Vaccinated - How to Protect Yourself and Others
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
Ann Arbor Spark Microloan Programs
Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
Michigan
MDHSS resources and Food and Rental Assistance
Federal
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.
