Arts + Creative Industries Update - In the time of COVID-19 | View in browser
As we look ahead to Valentine's Day to celebrate our loved ones, remember that independent artists and creative workers are still very in-need of our support and love. They bring us joy, peace and comfort in our continued strife. There has never been a better time to give support. Make your gift to Creative Washtenaw Aid and show your love! ♥️
New Look, New Name, Same Us
It's Official!
Creative Washtenaw is the new name for The Arts Alliance. Our mission, vision and programs remain the same, as does our dedication to our constituents and our arts and creative community.
Creative Washtenaw members move our mission forward.
Join us to champion, support and advocate for the arts + creative industries in Washtenaw County
Find all you need to now about membership here!
Cultural organizations risk massive downsizing or permanent shutdown if it takes years, not months, to reopen. As Alan Brown, primary Audience Outlook Monitor researcher puts it, "wellbeing is our stock in trade." He says "during the next six-12 months we must become activists in this public health crisis."
According to the Audience Outlook Monitor study, there is evidence that the outcome of COVID-19 will greatly determine our survival as a sector. "90% of arts audiences will...get vaccinated. However, there is still upwards of 30-40% of this audience that are hesitant to receive the vaccine. Since re-opening is largely reliant on reaching "herd" immunity, the pivotal 25% "undecided" will largely determine the survival of the arts and creative industries. Cultural organizations risk massive downsizing or permanent shut-down if it takes years, not months, to re-open. Here are projects/resources demonstrating the intersection between health and the arts:
- The Contagious Cities Project
- Creating Healthy Communities through Cross-Sector Collaboration
- ArtPlace America
Brown suggests we create a dialogue around more intersections like the above, leveraging our creative assets to incentivize the vaccine and vaccination programs. Read his full essay here. Critical responses to his essays will be released in the coming weeks; look for new publications here.
Source: Brown, Allen 2021, Jan. 26, All Hands on Deck: A Call to Action for Arts and Public Health, WolfBrown.
The B117 strain, like others, is spread by droplets and aerosols. However, this variant latches on tighter than other strains and is more easily transmitted. Social distancing and avoidance of gatherings are strongly encouraged. Some experts recommend wearing two layers of masks or face shields for extra protection. The Washtenaw County Health Department recommends immediate COVID-19 testing for those living in these locations at these times:
Washtenaw County Vaccine Info:
- Sun, 1/17 at the Meijer on Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor MI from 9-10 a.m.
- Sun, 1/17 Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor MI from 1-2 p.m.
- More Information on the COVID B117 Variant
- Health Department Washtenaw County
- To request an individual vaccine click here.
- Find the Michigan.gov report on vaccine prioritization here.
- For vaccine FAQ's, click here.
- More Information on the COVID B117 Variant
- Health Department Washtenaw County
- To request an individual vaccine click here.
- Find the Michigan.gov report on vaccine prioritization here.
- For vaccine FAQ's, click here.
Michigan Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccine
MDHHS has set an initial operational goal of vaccinating 70% of people age 16 years of age and older, or about 5.6 million people, for COVID-19 by the end of 2021. Michigan is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna to adults age 65 and over. Persons age 65 and older may make appointments at the county level. Eligible front-line essential workers will be notified by their employers about vaccine clinic dates and locations. There is no cost to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Request a vaccine appointment here. Use this link here for organizational vaccine requests. A completed request does not mean an appointment is available yet. You will receive a registration link (or call) when an appointment is available to you.
According to the official report from Michigan.gov:
Phase 1A includes paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1B includes front-line essential workers and individuals 75 years of age and older. *This group also includes first-responders not covered in 1A, teachers, food and agriculture employees, manufacturing plant staff, U.S. postal workers, homeless shelter workers and mass transit personnel.* | |
Phase 1C includes other essential workers, persons 65 to 74 years of age, and individuals 16 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions. | |
Phase 2 is a mass vaccination campaign for all persons age 16 years or older. | |
National
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO) ; Register on SAM ASAP!
- Apply for up to 45% of operating expenses
- Application still not open
- New SVO FAQs and Important Application Requirements for Grant Applications
- The SBA has an updated FAQ listing on their website with new information. Read it here.
- DON'T WAIT to register
on System for Award Management (SAM) and
obtain a CAGE#. It is important you go through the process until you receive
your CAGE#. Completing this process can take days! This is also important for any NEA or federal grants that you may be applying for.
- You cannot apply for SVO grant and PPP Round 2 - You must choose one or the other. Decide which gives you the greater benefit. Applicants who have received a PPP round 1 before Dec. 27, 2020 remain eligible for the SVO grant.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators - Note: The "Fixed Audience Seating" requirement for eligibility only applies to movie theater and museum operators. It does NOT apply to live venue operators.
- Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives
- Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
Where to Stay Tuned
SBA SVO | National Independent
Venue Association (NIVA) | Creative
Washtenaw | Americans for the Arts | Arts
Action Fund Facebook Page | Check the
NIVA Resource page in the Member Portal for updates.
Americans for the Arts Action Fund Office Hours with Nina Ozlu Tunceli - Note: The Americans for the Arts webinar from Jan. 22 has been postponed until further notice. We will keep you updated.
Nina's COVID-19 Economic Relief Tips
Herb Alpert National Relief Grants
The Herb Alpert Foundation supports several organizations and programs that directly support musicians, actors, nonprofits and arts + education programs. Read more about these organizations and their grant and relief offerings here.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource - an iterative, responsive project composed of five freelance producers and culture makers who produce webinars and resources to raise the collective knowledge body of freelance, unaffiliated artists in the U.S.
COVID National Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Businesses
General Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Businesses *Some organizations may still be offering COVID relief; please check their websites directly.*
Local, Regional & State
Michigan Music Alliance
Call for Artists: Raise money for artists. Perform a virtual set. Learn more here. Apply here.
- Need help applying for Federal Grants?
- Not sure how to get a SAM #?
- Confused about the Shuttered Venues application process?
Send your questions to info@creativewashtenaw.org
Our COVID-19 Resource Page is filled with hundreds of up-to-date aid, assistance and grant resources for artists, creative workers, organizations and businesses. Find it here.
Cultural Advocacy Network - Virtual Advocacy Day
March 11 & 12, 2021
Interested in learning how to be a better advocate? Attend a series of regional Advocacy 101 Webinars that provide the tools to help you become the best advocate for the issues you care about. Locally elected officials will be joining the conversation and giving their advice on advocacy. Sign up for the Southeast Michigan webinar on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. | Learn more here.
National Arts Action Summit - Americans for the Arts
April 5 - 9, 2021
Register for Individual Sessions
The National Arts Action Summit is a multiday event giving grassroots advocates crucial advocacy training from experts in the field and then put that training into practice during Arts Advocacy Week in meetings with elected officials. Hosted by Americans for the Arts in collaboration with dozens of national, state, and local organizational Partners, the National Arts Action Summit and Arts Advocacy Week is the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together a broad cross section of America's cultural and civic organizations.
Grassroots advocates across the country will convene digitally April 5-9, 2021, to learn the latest in arts policy through issue-specific briefings, advocacy trainings and networking opportunities. Over these five days, you’ll gain a depth of knowledge from policy experts at Americans for the Arts and many of our Partners. You’ll also be able to watch a recording of these webinars whenever you like to refresh your understanding of the issues. Session topics will include: arts and culture agency funding, arts education, tax policy, COVID-19 relief and recovery, the creative economy and many more!
We strongly encourage arts advocates that identify as, reside in and/or directly serve communities of color, rural populations and/or marginalized audiences to submit a request for a scholarship by Feb. 29 at 9 a.m.
There is a discount to both practicing artists in any artistic discipline and enrolled students. To access the discount code granting $50 off the National Arts Action Summit package, those who qualify need to submit a request to events@artsusa.org.
CWHH #14 at 4:30 p.m.
Our monthly gathering to unwind, laugh and share in collective creativity
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Join us on Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Dial in: 929-205-6099 | Meeting ID: 880 8785 0621 | Passcode: 524447
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/
With the aesthetic and intrinsic values of the arts + creativity at its core, creative:impact has a twofold purpose. First, to impress upon WEMU listeners the impact and interconnectivity of the arts + creative sector on our lives and community. Second, to tell that story through 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.
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.
For Those of a Certain Age, Streamed Music Performances Has Come of Age
Feb. 2, 2021 - For residents of retirement communities, being vigilant about following COVID-19 protocols is critical. The United Methodist Retirement Community (UMRC) in Chelsea knew that sheltering in place could lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection. Melissa Goodson, major gifts officer at UMRC, joins Deb Polich and David Fair to discuss the impact hand-curated streamed performances have on the well-being of the UMRC residents. Listen here.
'The Artrain That Could' Celebrates 50 Years!
Feb. 9, 2021 - In 1971, a group of Michigan arts activists put art on a train to deliver it to people in small towns. They believed everyone should have access to arts and cultural programs. Artrain board member, Damian Farrell, recounts the Artrain’s legacy and the vision that remains vital over 50 years later. He joins Deb Polich and David Fair on this commemorative edition of creative:impact. Listen here.
Pictured: Damian Farrell, Artrain board member
Artrain Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary on Feb. 11
Creative Washtenaw congratulates Artrain on its Golden Anniversary. In 1971, a group of Michigan arts activists put art on a train to deliver it to people in small towns believing everyone should have access to arts and cultural programs. For four decades it delivered arts-based community engagement and development programs on a museum-on-a-train that used America’s rail system. It shared award-winning exhibitions, art education programs and the world’s finest artists with millions of people in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada. Countless individuals – from schoolchildren to grandparents – have experienced Artrain programs. Many are now art and creative practitioners, consumers, supporters, advocates and/or volunteers. In tribute to its legacy 2006 Artrain received the National Medal for Museum Service – the nation’s highest award for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities using that extraordinary and innovative approaches to community engagement and development.
Artrain's Legacy Lives on (Without the Train)
In 2009, Artrain retired its train museum and shifted its mission, experience, commitment to and success of strengthening the field of arts and creativity into a project management, administrative and fiscal sponsorship services business for local arts agencies, creatives and creative businesses.
Creative Washtenaw has been a client of Artrain since 2013 and contracts administrative, financial and project management services.
Learn about Artrain's history and see their mission in-action in these videos:
Artrain 2008 | Artrain 2009 | Artrain Comes to Richmond, CA
Watch a clip of the award ceremony on YouTube.
Listen to this week's creative:impact as it celebrates the rich and impactful history of this storied national organization.
"Start Somewhere: How to start the Conversation with our Children about Racism" - Ann Arbor Family Press
"Meet the Man Who Created Black History Month" - CNN News
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" vocal performance by James Weldon Johnson
AADL Celebrates Black History Month - Ann Arbor District Library
"Local Community Conversation to Focus on Changing Our Stories to End Racism" - WEMU
"Celebrating Black History Month at the Tiny Desk" - NPR
The African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County Facebook Page and Archive
"Painter and Educator Shirley Woodson Named 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist" - Kresge Arts in Detroit
"U.S. voting rights activist Stacey Abrams nominated for Nobel Peace Prize" - Reuters
"Lives of the Poets" - Ann Arbor Observer
"How to Talk to a COVID Denier" - Verywell Mind
"It's Not Just You. A Lot of Us Are Hitting A Pandemic Wall Right Now" - HuffPost Life
Are you paying artists and creative workers a fair wage?
Working Artists and the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E) is a national program initiated and operated by W.A.G.E. that publicly recognizes those nonprofit arts organizations demonstrating a history of, and commitment to, voluntarily paying artist fees that meet our minimum payment standards. If you are interested in becoming W.A.G.E. Certified please read the guidelines below, use the Fee Calculator and then begin an application here.
Washtenaw and local
Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development in partnership with United Way of Washtenaw County, has launched a Financial Navigator program to help residents manage the financial impact of COVID-19. Financial Navigators provide one-on-one telephone assistance (at no cost) navigating critical financial issues and making referrals to other social services and resources. Click HERE to read more or call 734-677-7202 to talk to a Financial Navigator.
Michigan
Latest resources from the MDHHS on the Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders.
Resuming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
- Claimants who did not exhaust their original 13 weeks of PEUC will be able to claim the balance of remaining weeks beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, 2021. Payments will include the additional $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit.
- Claimants who did not exhaust their original 39 weeks of PUA will be able to claim the balance of remaining weeks beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, 2021. Payments will include the additional $300 FPUC.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Extends and phases out PUA, a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through Apr. 5, 2021.Provides additional weeks for those who would otherwise exhaust benefits by extending PUA from 39 to 50 weeks— with all benefits ending April 5, 2021.
- Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC): Provides all unemployment recipients with an additional $300 per week from Dec. 27 through Mar. 13, 2021.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Extends and phases out PEUC, which provides additional weeks when state unemployment runs out, to Mar.14 (after which no new applications) through April 5, 2021. PEUC provides additional weeks for those who would otherwise exhaust benefits by increasing weeks available from 13 to 24—with all benefits ending Apr. 5, 2021.
Federal
State and Local Deductions for S Corps and Partnerships
Michigan Treasury announced a Tax Exemption for PPE
According to Michigan.gov, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants who had benefit weeks remaining on their claim as of Dec. 26, 2020, can now begin certifying their claims through their MiWAM accounts. Federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs created by the CARES Act were interrupted at the end of the year.
As of Jan. 17, claimants in the following categories can certify, and if eligible, payment will be issued:
Latest resources from the MDHHS on the Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders.
President Biden's American Rescue Plan Details
COVID Tax Provisions for Nonprofits Chart
Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community
Adrian Center for the Arts - Call for Art: Learn more about the Out of This World "Celestial Bodies" juried exhibition here. Deadline Feb.12, 2021. Welcoming work from artists in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.
Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series - Candy Chang's Transforming our Cities - Friday Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. With a background in urban planning, Chang worked with communities in Nairobi, New York, Helsinki, New Orleans, Vancouver and Johannesburg, where she observed universal challenges of the democratic commons. She created interactive experiments in the public realm to explore more inclusive forms of community dialogue. All events will be webcast on Fridays at 8 p.m. (ET) at pennystampsevents.org and dptv.org/pennystamps.
Call for Art! Chelsea's 12 Annual SculptureWalk Call for Art - 14 commissions. Selected artists receive an $850 award and a yearlong highly visible platform throughout Chelsea and more. Learn more here. Deadline Feb.19, 2021.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival presents Scott Silven's The Journey - an awe-inspiring virtually transporting theater experience about storytelling and personal experiences. Presale begins Monday, Jan.18 and Tuesday, Jan.19. Performance dates run Feb. 23 - 28. Learn more here.
Theatre NOVA's Play of the Month - 4 Genres by Ron Riekki, Wednesday, Feb 24 at 8 p.m. on Zoom and available on demand for series pass holders through May. A hilarious comedy exploring the role of art in life and society. Tickets are $10, or $30 for a Series Pass. Learn more and purchase tickets online here. All proceeds benefit Theatre NOVA’s ongoing efforts to stay alive!
Call for Art! The Guild of Artists & Artisans is calling all artists to submit work for "Anything Goes", an all media art exhibition in Gutman Gallery highlighting artists and artworks of all types and showcasing a variety of styles, techniques and media. Exhibition Dates: March 19 – May 1, 2021. Deadline to Submit Work: Feb. 27, 2021.
Congratulations to the Ark for Receiving a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts!
The Ark Calendar of Events - The Ark has a brimming lineup of live-streamed events. Upcoming shows include Darlingside, George Winston, Erin Zindle and the RFD Boys. Read their full calendar of events here. They also have started The Ark Family Room Livestream Series which you can learn more about here.
The Blue LLama Livestream Series- featuring live-streamed 75-minute long concerts including meet & greets over Zoom. Learn more here.
Upcoming Events and Conversations from the Stamps School of Arts & Design - click here.
Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts 2021 Spring Concert Series - Wednesday Morning Musicales - performances run March through May. All concerts begin at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Kerrytown Concert House's Edgefest: Ann Arbor’s Premiere Avant-Garde Jazz Festival runs through March 26 every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Concerts are free and donations are strongly encouraged. Learn more here.
Michigan and State Theaters - Host a Private Screening to- view film of your choice, maximum capacity in largest theater is 26 individuals. Fill out rental request form and learn more here.
NATIONAL
Last Day to Apply is Tomorrow Feb. 11 - National Endowment for the Arts - Grants for Arts 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. Grants are up to $25,000. Apply here to submit to complete Part 1 of your application.
Tomorrow: Webinar: How to Win Grants for Advancing Racial Equity
Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. ET. $89 event. Learn strategic initiatives and how to build a case to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from an executive at the Satterberg Foundation and others. Learn more here.
Deadline-Approaching: Sony $5,000 Grant for Women Videographers
Sony's mission to support the growth of underrepresented voices in photography, videography, and filmmaking and provide a platform for creators across the artistic spectrum furthering this mission with their work. Deadline Feb. 15. Apply here.
Deadline-Approaching: Sphinx Tank Grant - $25,000
Identifying the next great cultural entrepreneur. This innovative virtual event will showcase emerging arts & cultural entrepreneurs of color as they “pitch” their projects to a panel of experts who themselves are all successful cultural entrepreneurs. Deadline Feb. 20. Apply here.
Jim Henson Foundation Invites LOIs for Creation of Live Puppet Theater - RFPs - Deadline March 8
$7,000 production grants, $3,000 for development/workshopping, $4,000 in support of new work for children, families and teachers. To be eligible, applicants must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Those without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Learn more here. For an active searchable database of RFPs based on location, click here.
National Endowment for the Arts - Creative Writing Fellowships - Application Deadline March 10
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 recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel and general career advancement. Learn more and apply here.
National Endowment for the Arts - Research Awards- Application Deadline March 29
The National Endowment for the Arts invites applicants to engage with the agency’s five-year research agenda through two funding opportunities for research projects: Research Grants in the Arts and NEA Research Labs. Learn more and apply here.
Ongoing - Mellon Foundation Announces Second Round of Art Museum Futures Fund Grants
One-third of U.S. museums are at risk of permanent closure. The Art Museum Futures Fund will offer grants to 14 small art museums with ties to community and social justice. Learn about grants and the application process here.
Ongoing - Herb Alpert National Relief Grants
The Herb Alpert Foundation supports several organizations and programs that directly support musicians, actors, nonprofits and arts + education programs. Read more about these organizations and their grant and relief offerings here.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource - an iterative, responsive project composed of five freelance producers and culture makers who produce webinars and resources to raise the collective knowledge body of freelance, unaffiliated artists in the U.S.
COVID National Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Businesses
General Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Businesses *Some organizations may still be offering COVID relief; please check their websites directly.*
LOCAL, Regional & State
Michigan Humanities - $15,000 Humanities Grants
Humanities Grants emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational and community-based organizations and institutions in order to serve Michigan’s people with public humanities programming. There are two steps to this grant program. Find all the details here.
- Now - March 2021 project proposal accepted and feedback provided.
- March 18, 2021 - Final grant application due.
Michigan Humanities - $1,500 Bridging Michigan Grants
For Michigan nonprofits producing and presenting public humanities programs. Open until funds expended. Apply here.
Culture Source - Seeking Communications Director
The Acorn, Executive Director
Living Arts, Executive Director
Walloon Lake, Director, Director of Development and Communications
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial, Executive Director
Automotive Hall of Fame, Inc., Development Specialist
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Public Spaces Coordinator
Michigan Humanities, Programs & Communications Coordinator
Detroit Historical Society, vice president of philanthropy - Centennial Campaign Leader
Michigan Opera Theatre, Box office manager
Arts + Creative Advocacy & News
Contact your members of Congress now to encourage them to include the arts and culture sector in all COVID-19 federal relief legislation.
Read the February 2021 federal arts sector and COVID-19 relief package
Take the Performing Arts Readiness Survey. This 15-minute survey helps predict disaster readiness in organizations across the arts sector. The deadline to take the survey is Friday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. ET.
The National Council of Nonprofits drafted a letter to federal leaders asking to support nonprofit-specific grants, forgivable loans, refundable tax credits and a call for substantial financial aid to state and local governments. Sign the letter now!
2021 National Arts Action Summit - Join Americans for the Arts from April 5 - 9 to learn compelling up-to-the-minute data, the latest in arts policy and how to effectively engage decision-makers to support the arts, arts education and much more! We strongly encourage arts advocates that identify as, reside in and/or directly serve communities of color, rural populations and/or marginalized audiences to submit a request for a scholarship by Feb. 26, at 9 a.m. Register and learn more here.
SaveArtSpace 2021 Open Calls for Artists and Activists- submit impactful art for local and national placement on billboards and public art spaces in Denver, NYC, Los Angeles or Washington D.C. Varying deadlines January-March. Learn more here.
Be An Arts Hero - a grassroots campaign composed of arts & culture workers and unions encouraging officials to allocate relief to the arts & culture sector of the American economy. Join the Michigan Venue & Promoter Association here.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is hard at work running the Save Our Stages campaign which includes over 3,000 venues pushing for legislation changes in Washington. Join NIVA here. Donate to the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund.
NonProfitAF - a mobilized support network for nonprofit leadership seeking information on funding, grant writing, donor relations, office culture and more. Bring your sense of humor - it's pretty witty! Learn more about their Happy Hours and community forums here.
#ArtsCreateHope Campaign - Spread the hope and stay informed about the great need of arts organizations during the COVID pandemic.
Make a donation to Americans for the Arts to sustain the arts in communities across our nation and help us bring tools, training, research and advocacy to a massive network of artists, administrators, leaders and educators who need them.
Learn about Michigan’s Coronavirus Racial Disparities Task Force working to increase data reporting transparency and reduce barriers to health care for impacted communities of color.
Why the arts + creative industries matter in Michigan
Why the arts + creative industries matter in Washtenaw County
Contact your Michigan legislators to encourage MCACA funding that is critical to the arts + creative industries.
Check out these additional AFTA COVID-19 Resources
The Economic Impact of Coronavirus on the Arts and Culture Sector - Dash Board
CAREs Act Table of Funding Opportunities for the Arts and Artists
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource and Response Center with constantly updated information for:
– For creative organizations & businesses
– For artists and creative workers
– For arts + creative education, including school openings and closings
– Field tools and research
– Equity and mental health- Reopening and resources
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 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
The COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor Survey
WolfBrown developed a worldwide tracking study of audience attitudes about attendance at arts and cultural programs during and after the COVID-19 Crisis. Find timely and essential data to the sector’s decision-making about when and how to resume programming here Audience Outlook Monitor.
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 The Arts Alliance'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 The Arts Alliance on Facebook
- Follow The Arts Alliance on Twitter
The Arts Alliance’s COVID-19 Support Page
- Resources– including advocacy, support and affiliation agencies
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.
