Arts + Creative Industries Update - In the time of COVID-19   |  View in browser

Creative Washtenaw Aid

Creative Washtenaw aims to raise at least $100,000 and hopefully more to extend assistance to the artists and creative organizations adversely impacted by COVID-19 and stave off the permanent devastation to the sector. Funds raised are assisting artists and creatives who live, work or go to school and have businesses located in Washtenaw County. We are asking that the people in our community step up to help the artists and cultural organizations not covered by public services and programs afforded to other sectors during this unprecedented moment in our history. Please consider making a gift to Creative Washtenaw Aid today to show your solidarity with support of our arts + creative community! ♥️

Become a Member: Support Creative Washtenaw

Creative Washtenaw Members are the Best!

Because they support our work assisting, facilitating, advocating, communicating, educating and celebrating for and with Creative Washtenaw: creative individuals, nonprofit and for profit businesses and government agencies for whom the intrinsic and aesthetic values of art and creativity are essential and the highest determining factors of success. Join us here! 

Festifools street art by Brush Monkeys. Click on image for event details. Drone image @timmy_blackman

Breaking News

Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Application Goes Live Tomorrow
Scroll Down for details in our SVO Section!

See final 4.6.21 SBA FAQs here - Today is the last day to familiarize yourself with the application process and organize your documentation before the portal officially opens tomorrow, April 8.

Michigan National Leader in COVID cases and hospitalizations

Bridge Magazine's Michigan COVID dashboard deems this a third wave due to surging COVID-19 cases and an uptick in the number of hospitalizations. Health officials are urging continuation of social distancing and mask-wearing. Governor Whitmer is preparing no new restrictions at this time, 

Biden Signs May 31 PPP Extension into Law

The PPP Extension Act of 2021 is intended to be more equitable and sets a May 31 application deadline. PPP continues  to be critical to the myriad small businesses applying for new funds or waiting to hear back on their applications. Find details here.

Creative Washtenaw News

Ypsilanti Middle School students create Peace Mural with teaching artist Daniel Cascardo (courtesy Artrain)

$1,500 Michigan K-12 Schools

Arts + Creative Education Equipment & Supply Grants 

Easy Applications close Apr. 16, 2021

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.

Applicants must be an accredited Michigan preK-12 educational institution, public or non-public school, private school, home school, school district, intermediate school district/regional educational service agency or an accredited Head Start program. A certified teacher must be the primary contact.

Grants will only be awarded to one applicant per educational institution.

Visit our website to learn more or view the FY21 Arts Equipment & Supplies Grant Guidelines. Minigrant Projects & POD - Region 9 Creative Washtenaw

 Speak Up. Be Involved. Make Change. 

Meet with MI's Congressional Members

Join arts + creative industry advocates from across the state for these virtual meetings scheduled for April 12 - 16, 2021

Contact Deb at Creative Washtenaw for details. deb.polich@creativewashtenaw.org | 734-213-2733

EMU Arts Management students prepare for NAAS. Courtesy of Susan Booth

Keep up with the 17 Eastern Michigan University Students Attending NAAS this week!

Follow the blog of 17 EMU Arts Management & Administration Programs students as they meet with our legislators next week! Click here to follow their experience. 

Asks for The 2021 Arts Policy Vote

CWHH #16 - Wed. Apr 28, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Our monthly gathering to unwind, laugh and share in collective creativity.

Meet up with Washtenaw County artists and creative workers – some are regulars and others drop in when they can make it. You are always welcome in our Zoom Room. Can’t make it this time? CWHH is always the last Wednesday of the month (except Aug. and Dec.)

Join us on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89270518201?pwd=bmhIR2RqMXk0T3M3M21YM1hlVng3QT09

Meeting ID: 892 7051 8201 | Passcode: 111943  | Call in – 929-205-6099

Please note:

*If you ever find a broken CWHH Zoom link, check here for the corrected link or text/call 734-395-9868

Washtenaw County COVID-19 Alerts & Vaccine 411

Washtenaw County COVID Update - Spring Fever, More Cases

According to Washtenaw County Health Department spokeswoman, Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, the recent uptick in cases may be due to something of a spring fever: "we're probably feeling more optimistic, because more people are getting vaccinated, but also because it's spring and people want to be outside -- the outside air helps but it doesn't eliminate all risk." Sports settings, group activities and campuses still remain high risk. 

Variant Updates

As of Apr. 5, Michigan has 1,649 reported cases according to the latest data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan has also reports 7 cases of the B.1.3.5. variant, what has also been called the South African variant. As of Thursday, Apr. 1, Michigan confirmed a case of the P1 COVID-19 variant from Brazil. It is believed that because these variants are more contagious, we are seeing an increase in overall cases. 

Pop Up Vaccination Sites Opens to Those 50+

Sites are now open to individuals 50+ with medical conditions or disabilities living in the county. Eligible individuals may email wchdpopup@washtenaw.org to register and request information. You may also call 734-544-6700 or 211. Please only use the phone line if you are unable to navigate the online request. Limited vaccine appointments may also be available through local health providers or pharmacies including Meijer and Rite Aid and Kroger. Calling and daily checking of availability recommended. Although improving, supplies are still limited everywhere, and it may take several weeks to schedule everyone eligible.  

Not in Washtenaw County? Find your county vaccine registration information here

Vaccine Information and Availability - Washtenaw County

Findashot.org - updates every few minutes. Shows vaccination sites throughout Michigan. 

Where to Get the Vaccine - Washtenaw County - Updated 4.5.21

More Information on the COVID B117 Variant

Health Department Washtenaw County

Michigan Medicine's COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Availability

Michigan Medicine's Vaccine FAQs 

State of Michigan COVID-19 Alerts & Vaccine 411

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available Those 16 and Older

According to the updated state priority guidance, vaccine eligibility has been extended to Michiganders age 16 and up. Those between 16-18 years of age are currently only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. As a reminder, you are only "fully vaccinated" after two weeks of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Even after vaccination, it is still recommended you take precautions by wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and social distancing. 

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Still on Target even after Delay

Due to a supposed human error, some 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been contaminated. This will delay future shipments, however, the error did not effect the doses currently in circulation. With an increase in staff members and quality check, the company issued a statement that they would ship 24 million doses by the end of April. Michigan is set to receive 58,000 doses from Johnson & Johnson, according to this report. 

Michigan Medicine has announced that they have received their first supply of doses of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This single-dose vaccine will be not be available until the beginning of April. Check with your PCP to see if they are opting to carry the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Here is a helpful article to learn about how each vaccine differs. We encourage you to research the differences between the vaccines. For more information on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, here are some resources to learn more: 

FDA Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Information from Johnson & Johnson

COVID-19 Vaccine Information from Michigan Medicine

Janssen COVID-19 Information from the CDC 

Individuals 16+ Eligible to Register at Ford Field Vaccination Clinic

A reminder that Meijer has coordinated a mass vaccination clinic at Ford Field. Anyone in the state can register, however priority will be for residents 50+ and those between 16-49 with pre-existing conditions. Starting on April 5, all Michigan residents 16+ will be eligible. To register, visit the online portal here or text “EndCOVID” to 75049. You can also call the state's COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136. 

The Detroit Free Press provides an updated a list of vaccination sites ranging from box stores, hospitals and health care systems to pharmacies and vaccine clinics. They also provide tips on precautions post-vaccine and managing your pain and side effects upon vaccination. For more on what to expect from the vaccine, read the CDC's side effect profile card here.  

Make an Appointment at Detroit's TCF Center

Detroit Offers Johnson & Johnson Vaccine at Northwest Activities Center (NWAC)

VaccineMI Project | COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

Visit Rite Aid's Vaccine Scheduler

Michigan COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Guidance

Michigan Coronavirus Dashboard/Tracker 

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Latest MDHHS Gatherings and Mask Epidemic Order

Federal COVID-19 Alerts & Vaccine 411

Helpful Resources

Look Up Vaccination Sites by Zip Code

CDC Guidelines for Those Fully Vaccinated - How to Protect Yourself and Others

CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkits

CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance

Helpful Information from the CDC on COVID-19 Strains

Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Resource and Response Center

NEA's COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

PC Americans for the Arts

Take Action to Rebuild and Reimagine the United States Post-Pandemic,

 We Must Put Creative Workers to Work

The policy proposal was collaboratively developed by over 100 partner organizations and individuals, and has been endorsed by over 2,300 creative businesses and creative workers.

To see more detail on the proposed actions to take to address these policies, which together would put 300,000 creative workers back to work, click here. These actions were arrived at through focus groups with the signatories to the Put Creative Workers to Work proposal.

Reopening News & Resources

State of Michigan Not Imposing Further Restrictions at this Time

The most recent restriction remains in effect as Governor Whitmer focuses on vaccine distribution. The 50% capacity limit remains in effect until April 19. For a more in-depth breakdown of the current epidemic order, click here for the MDHHS official guidelines.

As a Reminder:

  • Retail is allowed at 50 percent capacity.
  • Casinos can operate at 30 percent capacity.
  • Indoor stadiums and arenas are allowed to have 375 people if seating capacity is under 10,000 or 750 if seating capacity is over 10,000.
  • Outdoor entertainment and recreational facilities may host up to 1,000 patrons.
  • Indoor entertainment venues are allowed to be at 50 percent capacity, up to 300 people.
  • Exercise facilities are allowed to be at 30 percent capacity.
  • Social interactions also were relaxed, according to the state:
  • Indoor non-residential gatherings where people interact across households are permitted up to 25 people, allowing public meetings and other small indoor gatherings to resume.
  • Outdoor non-residential gatherings where people interact across households are permitted up to 300, allowing larger outdoor events to resume.

Audience Confidence on the Rise

Alan Brown shares his latest Executive Briefing (March 22) and findings from the Audience Outlook Monitor study. This session highlights vaccination rates and likelihood to be vaccinated among arts audiences and dives into resumption of demand for both vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents. The briefing underscores the continued role that arts organizations can play in public health efforts. (video, 26 min.) 

Find the latest S.E. Michigan Report here (courtesy of CultureSource.)

Local COVID-19  Relief Grants & Resources

Washtenaw County Small Business Resiliency Fund

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Ann Arbor Spark Microloan Programs

Washtenaw United Way - Food and Essential Services

For a complete list of local resources, please visit our website here.

Michigan COVID-19 Relief Grants & Resources

State Funding - Federal American Rescue Plan Relief - What does Michigan get? 

Arts + Creative Industries TBD. 

As we learn more about the allocation of funding from the American Rescue Plan, we will update this section. Michigan Radio provides an overview of the funding buckets including PPP, child tax credit, public health funding and industry support. See a breakdown of funding by county, township and individual in this article here. Of the $350 billion to be allocated for state and local governments, funds will be directed towards assistance for small businesses, nonprofits, and hard-hit industries like tourism, travel, and hospitality. Funding can also be used for the expansion of broadband coverage to rural and inner-city areas. $10 billion is designated for local capital infrastructure projects. We will keep you posted as we learn more about potential funding to arts and creative industries, especially.

Federal COVID-19 Relief Grants & Resources

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO) Portal Opens April 8! Are you ready?

See final 4.6.21 SBA FAQs here

The SBA has released an important webinar covering the entire preparation, application and post-application process from start to finish. We recommend you watch it in advance of tomorrow.

Once the SBA portal goes live, the SBA will no longer be able to assist you with application questions. If you need local assistance with your application, click here or contact district offices here

For updates on portal openings and more, click here to sign up. 

Be sure to read our SVO preparation checklist and clarifications on our website. It includes condensed information from the recent SVO webinar which you can watch in full here

As A Reminder...

SVO applicants can apply for both PPP and SVOG for a net award. However, if you receive an SVO grant, you cannot then apply for a PPP loan.

Before you apply...

1. Use your DUNS number to register in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM). You can’t simply use a Taxpayer or Employer ID Number to apply for an SVO grant. (Note: It could take up to two weeks to finalize a SAM registration.)

2. Gather documents that demonstrate your number of employees and monthly revenues so you can calculate the average number of qualifying employees you had over the prior 12 months.

3. Determine your losses based on gross earned revenue and gross earned plus contributed revenue  between 2019 and 2020 on a quarterly basis. Be prepared because the SBA keeps changing its definition of revenue.

4. Make PDFs of additional information such as floor plans, contract copies and other evidence that will be needed to apply for an SVO grant.

5. Sign up for a regional mailing list and webinar in your area and develop a direct relationship.

6. Ask the SBA specific questions about SVO eligibility by e-mailing SVOGrant@sba.gov. ONCE PORTAL OPEN, CAN NO LONGER ASK.

REMEMBER...

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 or more. 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.

From the SBA:

· SVOG video for Live Venue Operators
· SVOG Video for Museum Operators
· SVOG video for Talent Reps
· How to Register for DUNS and SAM
· SVO Grant Preliminary Application Checklist
· SVO Eligibility Requirements

Where to stay tuned

Creative Washtenaw's compilation document clarifying the SBA's updates on eligibility and "gross" vs "earned" revenue, plus additional clarifications. Find it here.

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 remains postponed until further notice. We will keep you updated.  

Nina's COVID-19 Economic Relief Tips

SBA - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extends Deadline to May 31

Now Open to Self-Employed and Gig workers!

PPP Loan Application Support for Minority-owned Small Businesses - learn more here

$7.25 billion added in the American Rescue Plan

Sole proprietors, gig workers and 1099s get more financial support
SBA revises the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants. See the SBA update here.

PPP Tips from Nina at Americans for the Arts:

If you are self-employed and have a PPP application “pending” with a lender for a new PPP loan, contact them immediately and let them know that you need to update your numbers using the new PPP Schedule C application form and rules.

If you are self-employed and already received your new PPP loan this year, please contact your Members of Congress, the White House, and the SBA to ask them to correct this injustice of not allowing a retroactive change.

Note: You cannot collect PUA while also drawing "payroll" funds during the "covered period" of your PPP loan. You'll need to determine which - PPP or PUA is best suited for your needs.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Limit Increased

As of Apr. 6, the limit for EIDL will increase to 24 months of economic injury with a maximum loan of $500,000. Apply here

We can help you with SAM Registration and answer your questions about grants

Need help applying for Federal Grants? Lean on us to help.
Not sure how to get a SAM number? 
Confused about the Shuttered Venues application timeline and process? 

Send your questions to info@creativewashtenaw.org 

We can help answer your questions and concerns so that you can be prepared to apply for federal grants, such as the SVO grant, which should be opening in the coming weeks. We are also open to hosting a webinar, pending interest.

COVID-19 Advocacy & Action

Local

Contact your Michigan legislators to encourage MCACA funding that is critical to the arts + creative industries during COVID-19.

State/Regional

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.

Federal

It’s time for you to cast your annual 2021 Arts Policy Vote! Please review and cast your vote on these four policy agendas for 2021 here. Review the four primary asks in the image below.

Tell your legislator to Put Creative Workers to Work! The $878 billion arts, culture, and creative sector needs COVID-19 relief now, and putting creative workers to work is integral to our national economic recovery and an essential path to total economic health and resilience. For our nation’s 435 congressional districts to come back, we must make the creative sector a cornerstone of America’s economic recovery.

National Council of Nonprofits Webinar - What nonprofits need to know as staff and volunteers return from remote work to in-person operations, Apr. 9 3:00 p.m. EST. 

#ArtsCreateHope Campaign - Spread the hope and stay informed about the great need of arts organizations during the COVID pandemic.

Ad Council's COVID Initiative to Improve Accessibility & Education

The Ad Council developed six communications toolkits to help community partners educate and provide answers to their members and stakeholders. These free, easy-to-use toolkits include messaging tips, videos, FAQs, social and digital media assets, educational events, and research that was rigorously vetted by CDC. Here are links to the toolkits: 

Check out these additional COVID-19 Resources

Creative Washtenaw

– COVID-19 Resources for Washtenaw County

_ Michigan Nonprofit Association COVID Resources as of Apr. 5

Aid, Assistance & Grants beyond Washtenaw County

COVID-19 Health-Specific Updates and Resources

COVID-19 Advocacy & Action

– COVID-19 Michigan Legislation & 411 for Workers & Businesses 

COVID-19 Federal Legislation + 411 for Workers & Businesses

General Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Businesses

Beyond Washtenaw

Americans for the Arts

– 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

The COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor

Audience Outlook Monitor - WolfBrown developed this 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. Watch the March 22 Executive Briefing webinar for updates on progress with vaccination and early patterns of resumption of demand for live programs. From there, you can also watch past webinar briefings.

Surveys to Do

  • Assessment of  digital arts infrastructure, programmatic activity and general creative opportunity across the seven-county Southeast Michigan cultural sector. Culture Source's survey.
  • Community Needs Survey Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

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

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

How the COVID Relief Bill (American Rescue Plan) Impacts Critical Expansions of Child Tax Credit and EITC

How The American Rescue Plan will rebuild Michigan's unemployment fund

Latest resources from the Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders.

Resuming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

PEUC/PUA/PUC/PEUC Claimant Information

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 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.

 State and Local Deductions for S Corps and Partnerships 

MDHSS resources, Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders

Federal

President Biden's American Rescue Plan Details

SBA Debt Relief (for existing borrowers)

IRS Recovery Rebate Credit

COVID Tax Provisions for Nonprofits Chart

Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act Reminder 

IRS Loan Forgiveness and Safe Harbor Rules

More from Creative Washtenaw

creative:impact on WEMU 89.1 FM

With the aesthetic and intrinsic values of the arts + creativity at its core, creative:impact has a twofold purpose. First, to impress upon 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.

Video Game Development Is So Much More Than Fun

Mar. 30, 2021 - Character artists, animators, sound designers, programmers, and coders are just a few of the team members it takes to design and launch a video game. It takes a lot of hard work and time. Jeremy Gibson Bond, game designer and professor of practice, game design, and development at MSU, tells Deb Polich and David Fair all about this industry that has evolved exponentially since the days of Pong and Pac-Man on this edition of "creative: impact." Listen here

Pictured: Jeremy Gibson Bond

Applying an Operatic Voice to Arts + Creative Advocacy

Apr. 6, 2021 - Meet Carla Dirlikov Canales, Ypsilanti native, renowned opera singer and arts advocate. She is also founder of the Canales Project, an organization that uses the arts to bridge cultural divides. She joined Creative Washtenaw's Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair to talk about how she uses her voice to advocate for the arts and creativity in the halls of Congress and across the world. Listen here

Pictured: Carla Dirilikov Canales

What We're Reading 

Stop Asian Hate: Resource Center - Petitions, Donations and More

"U-M Professors, Michigan public officials discuss roots of anti-Asian racism..." - The Michigan Daily

 The Hive Project | A campus of art, innovation & sustainability in southeast Michigan

"Government, Nonprofits and Companies Must Unify to Solve our Biggest Problems" - The Chronicle of Philanthropy 

"10 Quick and Easy Spring Crafts for the Whole Family for the Whole Family to Get Creative" - My Modern Met 

"Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program Expands Reach Thanks to Michigan Nonprofit" - Michigan Nonprofit Association

"Discovering women artists of the past to support artists of present" - International Women's Day

 25th Annual Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners  - Exhibit Video and Artwork 

"White Supremacy and the problem with centering donors' interests and emotions" - Nonprofit AF

"Anti-Colonial Orchestras: A Cultural Response to Classical Music Imperialism" - Mae Mai

"Responding to crises: constructing a response through organizational change" - Jeff M. Poulin, Arts Education Policy Review

 Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits - National Council of Nonprofits

CW Member News & Events

Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community

2 Days Away! Wonderfool Productions - FoolMoon 2021 Events

An annual celebration of the power of creativity and light in building community in Ann Arbor. With community art making beginning in March, an array of light-filled, public art will unfold across downtown Ann Arbor and culminate on Friday, Apr. 9, 2021 through socially distanced experiences in town, at home, and online to spark wonder and delight for all ages. Learn more here.  See amazing art + share some love with local businesses! Don't miss FoolMoon TV! Showcasing A2 youth artists + more, this virtual program headlines the FoolMoon 2021 Facebook event. RSVP + plan a watch party. Join our FoolMoon CommUNITY Facebook group to get the latest details and make + share your creations + celebrations.

Destination Ann Arbor Annual Meeting

Destination Ann Arbor is pleased to announce its 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, Apr. 14 at 11:00 a.m. The meeting is FREE for all to attend and will be held via online platform called HopIn. Register here. For an overview and list of speakers, click here

U-M Arts Initiative Launching Collaboration with Yo-Yo-Ma "Mapping Without Boundaries" Kickoff Event April 15, 6:00 p.m.

To celebrate the new residency program with international performing artists and arts advocate, Yo-Yo-Ma, University of Michigan Arts Initiative in partnership with the University Musical Society, will explore probing ideas and concepts in this webinar. Ma will join a newly-formed steering committee composed of six U-M students and three Michigan-based artists from Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn—representing all three campuses—who will be charged with the development of new variations of maps that will express what the U-M community has experienced in the past year. Register here

Michigan Theater Foundation Presents Diversity Film Series

In partnership with Toyota, we’re excited to add a Diversity Film Series to our Virtual Movie Palace beginning this month and progressing over the course of the year and beyond. Through film and storytelling, we hope to stimulate thoughtful and deeper conversations around race, gender, equity, inclusion, and social justice, among many other issues. Learn more and purchase tickets here

Ann Arbor Symphony Announces Virtual Concerts at Michigan Theater  

The orchestra will perform three concerts with full string orchestra at the Michigan Theater along with additional virtual chamber music performances paired with pick-up meals from local Ann Arbor restaurants. These performances will be recorded live without audience and will be available for on-demand streaming until June 30, 2021. Virtual concert passes can be purchased for $50 for households, and $10 for students. Purchase tickets here.

22 North Gallery Presents "minute: a slice of life" Exhibition

An in-person and online exhibition that focuses on the artist’s everyday life showcasing their minutes as objects of representation, identification, and discovery. Open hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., by appointment. You can schedule an appointment here. Learn more about the exhibition here

Congratulations to Leslie Sobel on her Puffin Foundation West grant award! 

Read more about here award and work here

The Ark Calendar of Events 

The Ark has a brimming lineup of live-streamed events. Read their full calendar of events here. Our Communications Specialist, Hannah Baiardi will be performing music from her latest jazz album, Straight from the Soul, on The Ark's Family Room Series, April 15 at 8:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.

The Blue LLama Livestream Series 

Featuring live-streamed 75-minute long concerts including meet & greets over Zoom. Learn more here

The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series 

The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series brings respected leaders and innovators from a broad spectrum of creative fields direct to your screen of choice with the support of our partners, Detroit Public Television and PBS BooksAll speaker series events will be webcast on Fridays at 8 pm EST here and at dptv.org. You can also watch the talks and join the conversation on the Penny Stamps Series Facebook page.

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  

View film of your choice, maximum capacity in largest theater is 26 individuals. Fill out rental request form and learn more here.

Want to add your events? 

Event listings and calendar postings are an exclusive benefit for CW members. We would be happy to welcome you as a member!

Click here for membership information.

Arts + Creative Industries News

Advocacy & Action for Arts & Creative Industries

Local

Why the arts + creative industries matter in Michigan

Why the arts + creative industries matter in Washtenaw County

State

Michigan Nonprofit Association's Community Conversations for Social Change Webinar - Mar. 26, 10 a.m. Virtual on Zoom.

Five Essential Arts Arguments to Make - Arts Midwest

Fact vs. Fiction Government Arts Funding

Federal

Sign letters to Senators and Representatives to help federal funding for our nation's museums!

The 2021 State of Grantseeking Survey - a survey of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, grant specialists, managers, and writers, and government entities conducted by GrantStation to reveal the current state of grantseeking in the United States and the world. 

Arts U: Federal Arts Advocacy 

National Arts Marketing Project

Performing Arts Alliance Arts Advocacy 

NAEA Arts Advocacy Working Group - National Arts Education Association

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

Other Arts + Creative Grants & Funds

National

Chamber Music America - Classical Commissioning Program - Deadline Apr. 23

Grants available to professional U.S.-based presenters and ensembles whose programming includes Western European and/or non-Western classical and contemporary music. Grants are provided for the commissioning and performance of new works by American composers. The program supports works scored for 2–10 musicians performing one per part, composed in any of the musical styles associated with contemporary classical music. 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

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) 

MCACA is now accepting Grant Applications for FY22, with most deadlines falling on June 1, 2021. Interested applicants can find information about each of their programs in further detail, including grant guidelines, on the MCACA website. Applicants from across the state of Michigan can apply (based on eligibility) to one of the six programs MCACA offers. Applications due on June 1, 2021. New to this process?  MCACA staff will be hosting virtual "office hours" beginning March 22. Monitor the MCACA Facebook page here to stay informed.

A Complete Guide to 2021 Artist Grants & Opportunities | Artwork Archive

Local, Regional & State

Ann Arbor Golden Paintbrush Awards - Deadline Apr. 30

The Golden Paintbrush Award recognizes adults, children and organizations who have encouraged creativity in Ann Arbor's publicly visible spaces. Awards will be given for art which demonstrates collaboration and excellence, and which adds a bit of magic to our daily life. Visual, music and other arts, including online, are eligible. Anyone can submit a nomination using the online submission form

Save Art Space - Deadlines throughout April and May; vary by project

Submit your original artwork for billboard display in Detroit and other big cities. Open calls. Learn more here.

Open Call for Art - Save Art Space - Asians Belong Here - Transforming Advertisements into Public Art 

Deadline May 31. Learn more here. Each image submitted is a $10 donation. All donations are tax deductible.

Hyper-Local! CAFE Grants for the Arts - Chelsea Area Festivals & Events 

Are you passionate about the future of arts in the Chelsea community? Do you have an idea for an artistic project but searching for financial assistance to make it happen? The CAFE Grants for the Arts is a program that can help turn your artistic ideas into action. CAFE Grants for the Arts will provide one-time, unrestricted grants of $1,000 each to five artists to help continue the artistic and creative efforts that make performing and visual arts such a vital part of our community. The recipients of the grants will be announced in September. Apply here. Deadline July 31. 

Arts + Creative Industries Job Postings

The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) Job Postings
Maker Works Seeks Part-Time Front Desk Worker
Arts Midwest - Communications and Finance Positions
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

Local & State News Sources to Follow

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.

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