Arts + Creative Industries Update - In the time of COVID-19 | View in browser
Independent artists and creative workers do not qualify for recent federal and state relief. Donor support is needed for those who remain out of work and unsupported. Give today - the need continues!
It's official! Creative Washtenaw is the new name for The Arts Alliance. Our mission, vision and programs remain the same. The transition has begun and is expected to be completed by late spring.
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Dial in: 929-205-6099 | Meeting ID: 880 8785 0621 | Passcode: 524447
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/
From the moment COVID-19 struck, we engaged in and accepted leadership roles with regional, state and national advocacy for artists, gig/self-employed creative workers, businesses and nonprofits and included in relief and funding programs. As such, Creative Washtenaw’s primary focus for the foreseeable future is to assist our local arts + creative sector through this crisis and help reinvent the business model while preparing for the eventual reopening and recovery. That’s why we need you now and for the long haul.
1. Renew online by clicking here: Creative Washtenaw donor & membership link.
2. Download, complete and either email or snail mail this membership form.
3. Call us at 734.213.2733 or email us at info@creativewashtenaw.org
The best perk is knowing you are helping to support the artists, creative workers and businesses in Washtenaw County. We hope you enjoy our membership benefits including event postings in local media outlets, social media shout-outs, access to our Creative Washtenaw Happy Hour and special discounts and promotional opportunities.
Nonprofits, for profits, colleges and university producers and presenters may apply if they meet the following eligibility requirements:
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.
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 Works provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
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.
President Biden's American Rescue Plan Details
COVID Tax Provisions for Nonprofits Chart
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act Reminder
IRS Loan Forgiveness and Safe Harbor Rules
State and Local Deductions for S Corps and Partnerships
Michigan Treasury announced a Tax Exemption for PPE
Are you paying creative workers a fair wage? W.A.G.E. Certification 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.
The B117 strain is more easily transmitted and more deadly. The Washtenaw County Health Department recommends immediate COVID-19 testing for those living in these locations at these times:
- Sun, 1/17 at the Meijer on Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI from 9-10am
- Sun, 1/17 Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor MI from 1-2pm (3/5)
Get COVID-19 vaccine information for Washtenaw County here. Learn about vaccine distribution and prioritization in Washtenaw county.
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 frontline 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. Keep informed! |
- Find the Michigan.gov report on vaccine prioritization here.
- For vaccine FAQ's, click here.
Tables must be six feet apart with no more than six people per table. Outdoor tents with four sides are permitted under these same rules. Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Additionally, contact information must be collected from diners for contact tracing purposes. The order will allow for indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. The new order will last three weeks, until Sunday, Feb. 21. Read more about the order here.
"Start Somewhere: How to start the Conversation with our Children about Racism" - Ann Arbor Family Press
"The Arts Are in Crisis. Here's How Biden Can Help" - The New York Times
"How 8 Countries Have Tried to Keep Artists Afloat" - The New York Times
"Entertainment Sector Poised for Explosive 2021 Growth - 5 Key Trends To Follow" - Forbes
"The essential role of art has been exhibited during the COVID-19 shutdowns" - Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Jan. 19, 2020 - from the creaitve:impact archive - Noah Kaplan, artist, musician, and creative entrepreneur meets up with David Fair and Deb Polich to talk about Leon Speakers, the Ann Arbor company he founded that is revolutionizing audio technology. Hear about this group of artists, designers, engineers, and craftsmen who are dedicated to producing the finest quality benchmade American audio on "creative:impact." Listen here.
Jan. 26, 2021 - Music critics of all stripes had plenty to say about Lady Gaga’s national anthem performance at President Biden’s inauguration. Deb Polich and David Fair asked Mark Clague, widely recognized as the expert on "The Star Spangled Banner," to share his thoughts on her interpretation. Mark takes a deep-dive into this storied anthem on this edition of "creative:impact." Listen here.
creative:impact is co-hosted by Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU's David Fair. It airs Tuesday mornings on WEMU 89.1 FM at 7:49 a.m. and 9:49 a.m. during Morning Edition.
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 the 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.
Tomorrow: Stamps School of Arts & Design - Story, Word, Sound, Sway: In Performance & Conversation with Carisa Bledsoe & Schroeder Cherry - an exhibition featuring artists using performance, movement, text, sound, and design to interrogate systems of oppression and interrupt the status quo. Thursday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. RSVP here.
SphinxConnect 2021 - "UNITY" celebrates and empowers leadership through a transformative convening of musicians, industry leaders, educators, funders, diversity advocates and administrators. Join Sphinx for three days of virtual panels and discussions about the future of the performing arts. Jan. 28-30. Learn more here.
The 44th Ann Arbor Folk Fest - A Tribute to John Prine - 1976 Headliner for First A2 Folk Fest. Streaming passes for the Sunday, January 31 tribute show are $10. All funds raised through this event and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival benefit The Ark. Streaming live Sunday Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets here.
The 44th Ann Arbor Folk Fest - watch streamed performances from cherished #ArkFamily and friends. Friday, Jan. 29, and Saturday, Jan 30. 20-40 minute sets. Learn more here.
Stamps School of Art & Design - The Pandemic Circle by Raqs Media Collective - An online exhibition and screening of new videos commissioned by Stamps Gallery, Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, and presented in partnership with EXPO CHICAGO. The films are available until Jan. 31 on U-M Stamps YouTube channel.
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.
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.
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.
Chelsea's 12 Annual SculptureWalk Call for Art - 14 commissions. Selected artists receive an $850 award and a year-long 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.
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 Mar. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Michigan Humanities staff members on Jan. 28 for a virtual workshop highlighting current and upcoming opportunities for funding and program partnerships. Register here. Jan. 28, 10:00 a.m.
Along with the AAFF’s commitment to BLM and BIPOC filmmakers, the AAFF hopes this will help in further tipping the scales toward equity and fairness for all. Read more about the opportunity here.
Perform a Virtual Set. Learn more here. Apply here.
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.
For Michigan nonprofits producing and presenting public humanities programs. Open until funds expended. Apply here.
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 February 26, at 9 a.m. Register and learn more here.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force Virtual Zoom Meeting - City of Saline. Dates run Jan. 12 through Feb. 9.
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.
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 non-profit 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.
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
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.
- 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
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.
Latest resources from the MDHHS on the Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders.
How COVID-19 Relief Laws Impact Nonprofits - National Council of Nonprofits
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 Works provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
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.*
A Musician's Guide to Live-Streaming
Mental Health Resources provided by the Michigan Music Alliance
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.
- 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
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.