COVID Surge Continues, Increasing Financial Instability. Help Replenish Creative Washtenaw Aid.

Creative Washtenaw Aid has assisted more than
90 artists, creative workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

We continue to receive aid requests. Please make a gift to support the organizations and people who are here for us year after year, enriching our lives and opening our hearts and minds through art and creativity. We very much appreciate your contributions!

CW Members: Add your Events to our
 Shared Calendar with the Ann Arbor Observer!

Members, you have an updated new perk! 

Publish events to both the newly updated Ann Arbor Observer Calendar and Creative Washtenaw e-Newsletter!

How will this work? Click here to review the event submission process. 

Visit the Ann Arbor Observer's calendar.

Learn more about Creative Washtenaw membership benefits.

Please email us with any questions setting this up at info@creativewashtenaw.org

Creative Washtenaw Happy Hour #30

CWHH #30 NOW Studios, Ann Arbor

June 29, 2022 - 4:30 - 6 p.m.

CWHH is our easy-no-set-agenda monthly gathering for everyone working or playing in the arts + creative industries in Washtenaw County or who are Creative Washtenaw members. The party and the conversation changes every month. It's casual and fun. Join us. We hope to see you there!

Light refreshments and snacks provided. Learn more about CWHH.

Washtenaw County: Vote in the Primary Election and Meet the Candidates!

Support Candidates Running in 2022 primary elections!

This is a critical election cycle with much at stake. Now is the time to express to candidates running for office that the arts + creatives industries are essential to economic and emotional recovery. We encourage you to introduce yourself to the candidates running in your district and develop relationships with them and if you are so inclined, support their campaign.

Access the official list of candidates running in the 2022 primary elections including their respective district.

Access the official list of proposals for the 2022 primary elections.

2022 primary election ballot for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County voters

Vote on Aug. 2, 2022 primary elections!

Register to vote, verify your voter registration and request an Absent Voter Ballot at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Access important election dates and deadlines.

Thank you, New & Renewing CW Members!

Welcome back, Saline Area Players!

Saline Area Players is a community theater company for the entire family that provides a diverse theatrical experience for all ages and backgrounds. It has been in Saline for almost 50 years.

Pictured: Shelley Catalan

Welcome, Shelley Catalan!

Shelley Catalan's jewelry is inspired by the wild and bold beauty that occurs in nature. With the creation of each piece, she seeks to bring together the pairing of two very natural elements: the wearer and just a bit of earth. Her designs feature fine metals and precious gemstones but also some recycled, vintage or other inexpensive natural materials and elements. Visit her Etsy store, DarkSiren Gems.

Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC)
FY23 Minigrant Cycle Underway!

Funding Cycle - Oct. 1, 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023

Why Attend a Training Workshop?

Attendees report scoring much higher on applications after attending these free grant workshops! Each session includes an overview of the guidelines, the online application tools and helpful hints on what reviewers look for in applications. Register here for one or both workshops. Once you register via Eventbrite, the private Zoom link will be forwarded. We offer two dates; you may attend one or both sessions. We are here to help!

Arts & Cultural Project 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. Grant amount up to $4,000.

Professional & Organizational Development Minigrants

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. Grant amount up to $1,500.

Two K-12 Schools Arts + Creative Education Grants

Arts + Creative Education Equipment Grants

Michigan K-12 schools are eligible for grants of up to $1,500 to pay for arts equipment (including repairs of arts equipment) or supplies being used within the classroom/school setting. 

Arts + Creative Bus Grants 

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

The June 1, 2022 application deadline has passed for several MACC grants, although it is never too early to prepare for next year.

To learn more about each grant program including grant guidelines, visit the MACC website by clicking here. Visit our website here for more information on SmartSimple registration and other MACC grants.

creative:impact on WEMU 89.1 FM

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.

Pictured: Keith Taylor

Writing is the way this poet, Keith Taylor thinks

June 7, 2022 -  A visual artist creates images to help us see the world. A poet uses words to do the same. Both have the power to link us to our hearts and souls. Keith Taylor is an award-winning poet who has published thousands of lines of poetry. Join me, Deb Polich on the next edition of creative impact to meet Keith and hear how and why he turns words into expression. 

Listen here.

Pictured: Larry Kestenbaum

Larry Kestenbaum has the dirt on politicians (above)

May 31, 2022 - Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds Larry Kestenbaum moonlights in the creative world as photographer, illustrator, and the master sleuth behind "The Political Graveyard," the most comprehensive single free source for American political biographies, including how politicians died and where they are buried. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" when Larry tells her about his obsession with political history. 

Listen here.

Michael Hodges knows how to write a story (left)

May 24, 2022 - Journalists quickly become subject experts on the stories they cover. Ann Arborite Michael Hodges spent 30 years at The Detroit News. No doubt his research and storytelling skills positioned him well to become an author. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet journalist turned author, Michael Hodges. They talk about his career and his recent book about famed architect Albert Kahn. 

Listen here.

CW Member News & Events 

Pictured: Bank of Ann Arbor's Sonic Lunch, Photo Courtesy of Tim Marshall

Library of The Great Lakes Two Author Events

2022 Shakespeare in the Arb at U-M Nichols Arboretum

Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community. 

Don't see your event listed? Become a member and email us your events!

Get an up to date calendar of events at the Ann Arbor Observer.

U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Presents "Shakespeare in the Arb" 2022 at U-M Nichols Arboretum

Directed by Kate Mendeloff with Carol Gray and Graham Atk and presented by Nichols Arboretum and the Residential College, "Shakespeare in the Arb" is an Ann Arbor summer tradition. This year's featured play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," will run from June 2 - June 26. Find times, event and ticket information here.

Bank of Ann Arbor Presents Sonic Lunch

Starting in 2008, Sonic Lunch is a free outdoor, summer concert series on the corner of Liberty and Division in Ann Arbor on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Find the 2022 lineup here.

Theatre Nova Presents "Relativity"

Carla Milarch directs prolific contemporary playwright Mark St. Germain’s speculative 2017 historical comedy about Einstein’s missing daughter and a visiting reporter curious about his family history. The show runs 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.) until June 19, 2022. Learn more!

Purple Rose Theatre Company Presents Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine

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. Runs May - Aug. Buy tickets here.

CultureVerse Presents The Michigan Water Color Society 75th Annual Exhibition Opening - Virtual Exhibit

The Michigan Water Color Society will celebrate their 75th Annual Exhibition opening on Saturday, June 4, 2022. CultureVerse created a complimentary virtual exhibit, which you can explore here.

The Guild of Artists & Artisans Presents "Artist Pop-Ups"

June 11 and 18 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Learn more and attend!

Saline Area Players Presents "Psych" by Lisa Rowe

Presenting a comedy/who done-it directed by Barbara Day. Show dates are June 9 - 12. Learn more and order tickets here.

Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival 2022 Season

For its 29th season, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival has drawn inspiration from a universal source: nature. Performances run from June 10- 25 at various times and locations. Featuring 21 concerts at 10 venues across southeast Michigan, including over 50 artists from around the country. Learn more!

Westside Art Hop from June 11 - 12

Stop by Ann Arbor's quirkiest art fair! A cross between an art walk and an art fair, Art Hop springs from Ann Arbor Michigan's lovely historic West side neighborhood. Mostly local, but also national and international artists may participate. Event runs Saturday, June 11 from 10 - 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 from 12- 5 p.m. 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 2022-23 Season Of Performances

Experience the full spectrum of human emotion amid a thrilling season-long exploration of some of the finest music ever created. Each concert crystalizes a new, unforgettable experience of world-class music-making, right in our vibrant Ann Arbor backyard. Learn more.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2022 Season Lineup

Visit the Ann Arbor Summer Festival calendar to discover all the events. A2SF continues to grow as a major year-round cultural leader in Washtenaw County and as an internationally recognized celebration of arts that enriches the cultural, economic and social vitality of the region.

MakerWorks Presents the Annex: Pewter Sand Casting A2SF Tokens

Saturday, June 18 at 6 p.m at The Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Come pound sand to create an A2SF token out of molten pewter that you take home (once it’s cooled off)! MakerWorks will provide the sand if you swing the hammer. Learn more!

Library of the Great Lakes (In Partnership with Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists' Residency) Two-Author Event

Occurring on multiple dates at 7 p.m. Learn more here!

The 2022 Ann Arbor Art Fair July 21 - 23

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is a Midwest tradition that draws close to half a million attendees over three days in July. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is comprised of three independently juried, nonprofit art fairs that run consecutively: Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original; Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. 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!

The Ann Arbor Film Festival Presents Monthly Screening Series

The Ann Arbor Film Festival's monthly screening series returns on first Thursdays through November! AAFF Presents will show a different feature film every month that was originally screened at the 60th AAFF, held in March 2022. This is FREE for both AAFF Members and MTF Gold Card Members. First Thursdays will take place at the The State Theatre in Ann Arbor. Learn more!

Want to add your events? 

FOR MEMBERS: 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

NON-MEMBERS: 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. Not a member? Click here for membership information.

What We're Reading + Watching

 Arts + Creative Grants & Funds 

National 

New York Foundation for the Arts - Grants for Artists

Applications close on June 28. Several grant opportunities available. Learn more here

The National Endowment For The Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (Second Grant Round)

Grants for Arts Projects is the principal grants program for organizations based in the United States. Applicants may request cost share/matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Designated local arts agencies eligible to subgrant may request from $10,000 to $150,000 for subgranting programs in the Local Arts Agencies discipline. Learn more here

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) - Grants for Artists

Learn more and apply here.

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. 

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects

Deadline to submit Part 2 into the portal is July 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Learn more about materials, timeline and more here.

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.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) "Our Town" Creative Placemaking Grants Program

Our Town is the NEA’s creative placemaking grants program. Through project-based funding, the program supports activities that integrate arts, culture and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. Learn more and apply here.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) State & Regional Partnership Agreement Grants

The National Endowment for the Arts’ State & Regional Partnership Agreement grants are awarded to the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs), and the six regional arts organizations (RAOs). Learn more here.

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. 

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.

Updated Resources List! For a complete list of local resources, please visit our updated list here. For resources beyond Washtenaw county, click here

Auditions, Calls for Art, Artist in Residencies & Workshops, Volunteers

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. 

Paint Dexter Plein Air Update - Last Call for Professional Artists

Registration is still OPEN for the 2022 Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival. Space is limited for both professional and emerging artists. This will be the final call for the Professional Artists category as the deadline is approaching fast, so please register soon to ensure your spot. Emerging artists must register by July 1. The festival and painting begins August 15. Apply and learn more!

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!

Apply for a Community "Free" Space at The Sunday Artist Market 

The Sunday Artisan Market offers a free booth space for use by non-profit organizations whose work benefits the community. Each Sunday, they allow a local nonprofit the opportunity to attend the market and set up a display (free of charge) to engage in community outreach for their organization. To learn more, click here.

Arts + Creative Industries Job Postings

Local Surveys, Webinars, Reports & Studies

Click image above learn more!

Americans for the Arts - New Arts & Social Impact Explorer Plus Additional Tools

A visual reinforcement of how the arts + creative industries are broadly defined and permeate almost every other sector. Spin the wheel! You can also search for projects that have significant local social impact and add your own projects and stories to the project database. Learn all about it.

Creative Washtenaw Partners with Americans for the Arts for Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 National Study

Creative Washtenaw is proud to partner with the Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to participate in Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. The data we collect will provide insight into the spending and economic impact of the arts + creative industries in Washtenaw county. Creative Washtenaw will work with organizations in the county to collect data through surveys at a variety of events. In August 2023, AFTA will deliver a customized final report and share national findings. Learn more. 

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.

Click here to subscribe to Creative Michigan Activist, where we list surveys at a regional and national level.

Local Advocacy & Action 

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.

COVID-19 Resources & Updates

Washtenaw County - Cases Remain High - Stay Safe!

June 3 - COVID-19 Cases Report in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne see big case drop: Michigan COVID data for Thursday, June 2 - MLive

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

COVID-19 Michigan Case Tracker Map

New MDHHS Q&A (Booster Shot Info)

Federal

America still needs more COVID treatments - Axios

3 Ways to get COVID pills, if you've just tested positive

Know Your Treatment Options for COVID-19

Take the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker!

Covid Climbing Yet Again Throughout US - KHN; The new BA.2.12.1 variant was responsible for 29% of new coronavirus infections and they are on the rise across the country.

For a more comprehensive list, please visit our website here

411 on COVID-19 + General Business, Employment, Taxes, $$$ & More

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

Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.

Washtenaw Health Plan

Michigan

Increasing Voter Registration Opportunities  Governor Whitmer signed executive directive 2022-04, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting.

MI New Economy

$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.

Nonprofit ArtsReady Preparedness Kit - sign up here! Resources for arts and cultural organizations through the process of developing an emergency preparedness plan. Watch the video to learn more. Arts organizations, request a free year of access to the new dPlan|ArtsReady tool! You will be among the first to be notified when we launch in the coming weeks.

Arts + Creative Industries News

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

Local & State News Sources to Follow

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.

Creative Washtenaw Resources

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.

Download the 20-21 Arts + Creative Industries Guide here.

Creative Washtenaw: Arts + Creative Industries = Impact

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.

Creative Washtenaw Resources