We recognize that recovery does not happen overnight. Despite the relief that Creative Washtenaw Aid has provided to countless artists, creative workers. businesses and organizations in Washtenaw County, the need now exceeds the supply. Please consider donating to the Creative Washtenaw Aid fund. The creative community thanks you for your loyalty, concern and most importantly, your support!
According to the March 21 Audience Outlook Monitor report "...as the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant rises in Europe, infections in the US may be on the rise again in several weeks." Yet another incentive to contribute to Creative Washtenaw Aid! As we remain in this state of flux, recovery is still very much a priority for us all!
Celebrate Spring at
Creative Washtenaw Happy Hour #28!
April 27, 2022 4:30 - 6 p.m.CultureVerse Gallery
309 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
309 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
We thank CultureVerse for hosting CWHH #28 and providing light refreshments for the guests,
Join us an check out their cool space!
Be sure to register by clicking the button below. It's free, we just need to know how many to expect.
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.
Arts & Cultural Project Minigrants - $4,000
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 and read requirements here. If you have any questions about preparing for the application or in general, do not hesitate to contact us at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Professional & Organizational Development Minigrants- $1,500
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. In addition, the Minigrant POD program gives Michigan and individual Michigan arts and cultural organizations, artists, cultural specialists, administrators and educators a presence at national conferences and workshops. Learn more and read requirements here. If you have any questions about preparing for the application or in general, do not hesitate to contact us at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Two K-12 Schools Arts + Creative Education Grants
Learn more and read requirements here. If you have any questions about preparing for the application or in general, do not hesitate to contact us at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Arts + Creative Education Equipment Grants - $1,500
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.
Arts + Creative Bus Grants - $500
Michigan K-12 schools are eligible for grants of up to $500 to pay for transportation cost for an arts or culture related field trip.
Other Available MACC Grants
MACC grants are due annually on June 1, 2022.
Interested applicants can find information about each program in further detail, including grant guidelines, on the MACC website, by clicking here. This funding cycle will cover projects taking place between Oct 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023. Visit our website here for more information on SmartSimple registration and other MACC grants.
Tune-in to creative:impact to meet we creative guests rooted in Washtenaw County and explore how their creative businesses, products, programs and services impact and add to our local quality of life, place and economy. creative:impact is hosted by Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw and airs Tuesdays on 89.1 WEMU during Morning Edition at 7:49 a.m. and 9:49 a.m. Find archive editions here. Send your ideas for guests to info@creativewashtenaw.org with creative:impact idea in the header.
The joy of creativity is in all of us
April 19, 2022 - From script to the silver screen, Jim Burnstein’s characters come to life. Now, the screenwriter of "Renaissance Man" gives voice to characters in a new way. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" and hear how Jim’s graphic novel, "Ham-let: A Shakespearean Mash-up," extends his creativity. Listen here.
Hamburgers for Breakfast
Apr. 12, 2022 - Food—glorious food—is the subject of this "creative:impact." We meet Brooke Boyst and Andrew Schneider, museum studies graduate students at EMU. They are on the team behind the "Hamburgers for Breakfast" exhibition at the McKenny Gallery. Join Deb Polich’s conversation with Brooke and Andrew to hear what they discovered in Eastern’s archives, about the pairing of food, and the EMU student experience. 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!
Get up to date calendar at the Ann Arbor Observer
Registration Opens for Paint Dexter Plein Air 2022
Artist registration will open on or about April 8, 2022. Artists may register here when it opens. The Dexter Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee is looking for volunteers to 1) host an artist in their home during the weeklong Festival; and 2) assist with Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival operations. Volunteer here.
“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival)
April 21, 2022 at 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 p.m. Reprise of the summer production of this interactive performance art piece curated by NYC theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone—the duo behind the Obie-winning company 600 Highwaymen—in which 2 randomly chosen ticket holders meet on opposite ends of a table, separated by a pane of glass, to follow a scripted set of prompts. Get tickets!
Purple Rose Theatre Company Presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”
April 22, 2022 at 8 p.m. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Buy tickets here!
UMS Presents Student HOUSE Party at Now Studios
Friday, April 22, 2022 at 10 p.m. After the Friday, April 22 performance of HOME, students are invited to a post-performance HOUSE party at NOW studios, hosted by the UMS Student Committee. Reflect on the performance, enjoy music from student performers, eat food and hang with others in a playful, bold, enchanting and vibrant space. Learn more! Free event.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Presents "Tchaikovsky 4: A Powerful Symphonic Expression of Fate"
April 23 at 8 p.m. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) is set to perform a major concert at Hill Auditorium. Exploring topics of fate and destiny, program highlights include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers. Book tickets here!
"The Amazing Race " - Ann Arbor's Scavenger Hunt for Cancer Support
April 23 from 4 - 9 p.m. All proceeds remain local at the CSC of Greater Ann Arbor and are used to provide free cancer support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer, including loved ones and children. Buy your ticket!
Washtenaw Community Concert Band Presents WCCB Ensemble Concert
April 24 at 2 p.m. No tickets required. The WCCB invites you to the 16th annual small ensemble concert featuring a wide variety of music for everyone with performances by The WCCB's own Town Band, the Clarinet Continuum, the Dearborn Saxophone Ensemble and The Big Band Theory. Donations will benefit the Ken Bowman Memorial Scholarship to cover the expenses for a Washtenaw County middle or high school band student to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts camp. Proof of vaccination required; a mask must be worm inside the building. Learn more!
Chelsea Painters 47th Annual Art Fair
June 11 - 12, 2022 at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 10 a..m - 5 p.m. Watercolor, Acrylic, Pastel, Oil, Collage, Gouache, Ink, Colored Pencil, Encaustic and Mixed Media. Returning after a two year break for COVID! Learn more!
Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan Exhibit
Local Artist Virtual Art Gallery on display. Featuring an outdoor exhibit of 60 billboard size images created by local, national and international artists, writers and students reflecting their interpretations of the theme “enriching our lives through diversity." Learn more!
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. Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts produces six concerts annually at the Ann Arbor City Club, featuring regional artists and two annual youth music competitions: “Rosalie Edwards Youth Music Competition” (REYMC) for musicians ages 13-18 and “Young Artist Competition” for college age.
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.
Westside Art Hop Spring 2022
Local artists' open homes and studios, plus 40+ visiting artists from near and far, housed on neighborhood porches, in homes or garages and other local venues in the historic Westside neighborhood of Ann Arbor. June 11 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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 in our e-newsletter are an exclusive benefit for CW members. Are you a member? If you are, you have the option of submitting your event through the Ann Arbor Observer and Creative Washtenaw shared calendar. Follow the steps here to get started! If you would rather not share to AAO, please submit using our existing form here.
If you are not a member, please submit events for consideration using this submission form. Events aren't guaranteed social media or e-newsletter coverage. They are for members!
Not a member? Click here for membership information.
"Need a summer job? Ann Arbor Summer Festival is hiring for its 2022 season" - All About Ann Arbor
"Calling all artists! Matthaei Botanical Gardens seeks submissions for summer exhibition" - All About Ann Arbor
"Young playwrights confront gun violence with their art and say #Enough" - NPR
"Input Needed for Ann Arbor Parks Updates" - Current Magazine
"An Asian-Irish American Dancer Builds Community Through Creativity" - Independent Sector
"A New Effort Aims to Help Foundations Better Fund Black-Led Nonprofits" - The Chronicle of Philanthropy
"Looking for “Local Sounds” Subhead: Amplify Fellowship Music Program Aims to Collect Washtenaw County Sounds" - Current Magazine
"Ann Arbor "underground playhouse" helps people heal through creativity" - Concentrate
"Nadim Azzam Makes Music for Deep-Thinkers, Over-Drinkers & Sensitive Souls" - Fresh Coast Perspective
"Northern Michigan artist’s tea towel fundraiser for Ukraine goes national" - Bridge Michigan
"7 principles of community-centric boards" - Nonprofit AF
"Filling the Well" Podcast Series - Arts Midwest
"Three Black artists resign from Long Beach Opera, citing ‘culture of misogyny,’ ‘racial tokenism’" - LA Times
"10 great movies made by women that are streaming now on Hulu" - Digital Trends
"Ann Arbor ranked 6th-best city to live in America" - MLive
"Organizers announce dates of 2022 Ann Arbor Art Fair" - All About Ann Arbor
"The CDC explains how you should face the next phase of the pandemic" - CBS News
National
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.
The Lewis Prize for Music
The Lewis Prize for Music is now accepting 2023 Accelerator Awards applications. Accelerator Awards are open to Creative Youth Development (CYD) music organizations seeking to influence youth-serving systems so all young people have access to learning, creating and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity. Learn more here! Applications are open from March 25-June 3, 2022 at 8 p.m. EST.
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
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.
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 Minigrants 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. Click here for the complete list of MACC grants.
MACC Grants with a June 1, 2022 Deadline
Of note, the recently posted MACC grants include the Operational Support Grant, Project Support Grant, Capital Improvement Grant, Arts in Education Grant and New Leaders Grant. All information can be found here.
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.
Michigan Medicine Gifts of Art - Call for Exhibits 2022/2023
Gifts of Art’s rotating gallery program is intended to support the healing process by calming nerves, lifting spirits, engaging minds and thereby reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with healthcare settings. With large patient, staff and visitor populations that are diverse in every way imaginable, we strive to be inclusive and honor this diversity by mounting exhibits that reflect today's world. Learn more! Submissions close June 15, 2022.
Harbor Beach Artist in Residence
Considering all forms of art except those that manipulate, disrupt or disturb the cottages or park's environment. Submit here by July 17, 2022 for the Fall artist in residence program.
Youth Arts Alliance - Teaching Artist Application
YAA seeks professional teaching artists to teach healing centered arts workshops to youth and their families through Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson and Monroe counties. YAA teaching artists are expected to plan an 8 session curriculum based in artistic mediums in which they hold expertise. They will consult with the YAA Managing Director to determine the best approach for workshop structure, depending on if they will be placed with a group of youth in a detention unit, a treatment unit, or a community space. Prior to starting their first workshop cycle, the teaching artist must attend a YAA teaching artist training. Learn more and apply! Please submit application materials via PDF to Lucy Cahill at lucy@youthartsalliance.org
Embracing our Differences - Southeast Michigan - Seeking Docents
Embracing Our Differences is seeking docents to help lead school trips to Gallup and Riverside Park to discuss the art about diversity, equity and inclusion. Docents may volunteer one or two days a week or half days May - Sept. 2022. Click here to apply!
Adrian Center for the Arts - Executive Director
The Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) - Executive Director
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Paid Summer Internship
Washtenaw Community Concert Band - Music Director/Conductor
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Several new openings.
Explore Administrative Positions at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
Explore new positions at American Alliances of Museums
Adrian Center for the Arts - Executive Director
The Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) - Executive Director
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Paid Summer Internship
Washtenaw Community Concert Band - Music Director/Conductor
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Several new openings.
Explore Administrative Positions at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
Explore new positions at American Alliances of Museums
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.
New Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Angela Kline!
The Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original is excited to announce the appointment of Angela Kline to the position of Executive Director. Kline is succeeding Maureen Riley who retired from the position after 12 outstanding years as Executive Director. Riley will remain on staff through 2022 as Artist Coordinator. As a passionate artist advocate for the past 20 years, Kline brings her knowledge of partnering with major brands to the mutual benefit of artists and the community. Culminating in collaborative relationships between artists and celebrity clients, corporations and organizations such as; Oprah Winfrey, General Motors, Stellantis-Jeep, The White House and Pure Michigan. Read more!
How Do We Navigate the Pandemic Moving Forward? Webinar offered by Bridge Michigan
An hour-long discussion exploring how people might navigate the pandemic moving forward. April 27 at 12 p.m. Register.
Webinar: Smart Ways to Strengthen Your Next Grant Proposal
May 12 at 2 p.m. $69.00 to purchase. Get insider tips and insights from a grant maker and a consultant who has helped a wide range of nonprofits raise millions of dollars from foundations. You’ll learn dos and don’ts for crafting successful proposals, how to build a persuasive case for support and how to convey impact in ways that resonate with program officers. Learn more.
Accenture Nonprofit Sector DEI Maturity Survey
The survey is being used for the following purpose(s): gather market-wide research on the Nonprofit Industries Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion capability maturity, data analysis and statistical purposes and may be combined with demographic data and previous/future survey responses to produce, aggregated reports which may be distributed for the purposes stated above in this notice. The survey takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please complete this survey at your earliest convenience and no later than May 15. Access the survey here.
Capitalization Needs of Arts & Culture Organizations in Southeast Michigan: Second Edition
This report—a follow-up to the first one commissioned by CultureSource in April 2020—is one aspect of CultureSource’s ongoing support of creative activity. Access the updated 2021 report here.
The National Endowment for the Arts Presents An Introduction to the Arts Public Funding Ecosystem
Are you familiar with the funding opportunities available for arts organizations at the federal, regional, state and local levels of government? Would you like to learn more about which grant program for organizations at the NEA is the right fit for your project? Please join NEA staff members and representatives from arts agencies across the country for an overview of where, and for what, arts organizations may apply to receive public funding. Register here!
Click here to subscribe to Creative Michigan Activist, where we list surveys at a regional and national level.
Local Advocacy & Action
Creative Washtenaw's Advocacy Education Resources
Visit our website page here for Advocacy & Action facts, figures and recommended reading.
Looking for Statewide and Federal Action Items?
Sign up for Artrain's biweekly e-news digest: The Creative Michigan Activist.
Washtenaw County
Visit Washtenaw County's central COVID-19 page. Click here for a more detailed breakdown of cases and demographics. Not in Washtenaw County? Find your county vaccine registration information here.
State/Regional
Federal
CDC Recommends Additional Boosters for Certain Individuals
"The CDC explains how you should face the next phase of the pandemic" - CBS News
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
Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
Michigan
$400 Refund Checks for Auto Insurance
Michigan COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
SBA Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
Federal
Biden Will Cancel Student Loans Or Extend Student Loan Pause Before August 31
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 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.
