Arts + Creative Industries Update - In the time of COVID-19 | View in browser
So far, we've reached $69,000 of our $100,000 goal for CW Aid! Please consider making a gift to Creative Washtenaw Aid to support our community of artists and creative workers. Your contribution makes a huge impact in the lives of Washtenaw County artists & creative workers. Thank you for your support! ♥️
As a Creative Washtenaw member, you pave the road to emotional and economic recovery for artists and creative workers.
Why are you essential?
- You support our work assisting, facilitating, advocating, communicating, educating and celebrating for and with Creative Washtenaw.
Who are you?
- Creative individuals, nonprofit and for profit businesses, education 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!
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Application Portal Open as of April 29
The SVOG Portal is now open. Login and register on this page.
Need additional assistance?
SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE business mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide individual guidance on applications. Find assistance near you.
To view insights into SVOG funding requests and number of applications received, click here to download the latest run report from April 30.
~ Opinion-Piece To Come ~
In coming newsletters, we will be shedding insight into the application process and experiences by many SVOG applicants. We hope this insight will inspire activism and influence future government grant applications.
As A Reminder...
The U.S. Attorney General issued this Management Alert and a bipartisan group of 164 Members of Congress issued a letter (including eight MI members) to SBA Administrator Guzman expressing their concern and urged the SBA to provide SVOG applicants with an opportunity to correct any information on the application before it is rejected.
SVOG Act Now Facebook Resource
While the application is in process, since the SBA can no longer assist, many applicants are finding community and a forum for troubleshooting on this Facebook page.
Read the updated SVOG applicant user guide here.
Read the updated SVOG FAQs.
The following sites MAY have the most up to date information - everyone remains somewhat in the dark.
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. | SVOG Act Now
Restaurant Revitalization Fund - Portal Opened Monday
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Read more in detail about the program.
For program details and application details, click here to get started. Click here for cross-program eligibility. Registration with SAM.gov is not required. DUNS or CAGE identifiers are also not required.
Who is eligible?
Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (on-site sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (on-site sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (on-site sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (on-site sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (on-site sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample or purchase products
Michigan National Leader in COVID cases and hospitalizations - Stay Vigilant
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.
PPP Extension May 31 Deadline - You May Qualify! Don't Miss Out!
Consider applying for the PPP Loan, if you qualify, before money runs out. Many are reporting the application as fairly straight-forward and short. We have heard from CTAs that services such as Blue Acorns can facilitate and streamline the application process.
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. You can use funds toward business expenses with a twelve-month period and do not count toward income. Find details here. You can connect with a PPP lender here or search for lenders in your area here. Need convincing to apply? Read this article here.
FREE Support for Nonprofits Applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - Schedule your appointment here.
Zoom screen shot of a meeting with Rep. Peter Meijer, R, MI-3. Courtesy of Susan Booth.
Creative Washtenaw's Deb Polich Receives "Public Administrator of the Year" Award from Eastern Michigan University
We celebrate Deb Polich and her decades of advocacy work, tirelessly fighting for artists and creative workers and their "seat at the table." Each year, Eastern Michigan University’s Master of Public Administration program (EMU MPA) presents the "Public Administrator of the Year" award to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to public service.
Deb is being honored to recognize both her skills and accomplishments as an administrator and for her tremendous contributions as an arts advocate for the state of Michigan, most especially for the Washtenaw County area community. Polich has served as an EMU MPA Advisory Board member since 2003 and has been instrumental in updating that program on issues impacting nonprofits and the arts + creative community.
Congratulations, Deb!
You are an inspiration to us all!
A Successful National Arts Advocacy Summit...
Together our voices were strong representing our state at the National Arts Advocacy Summit. From EMU students and professors to business owners and gig workers, we had a most successful week meeting with 13 out of 16 Michigan members of Congress.
Thank you for raising your collective voice in advocating for arts as a vital sector and for sharing your personal stories, challenges and triumphs with our elected officials.
For any follow up questions, please contact Deb Polich at Creative Washtenaw for details.
deb.polich@creativewashtenaw.org | 734-213-2733
...But Our Work Doesn't End Here!
There are a number of critical proposals and bills on the federal table. Encourage your state representatives to champion these efforts. At NAAS, we discussed a number of bills and "asks." See below:
Put Creative Workers to Work Proposal (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.)
WORK Now Act (validating the arts as an eligible entity/sector) See also here for specifics.
Arts Education for All bill (entitle arts support through Title I Funds)
The Create Act (Past Legislation that has helped creative workers immensely)
For a complete detailed list of bills and "asks," please visit the NAAS Handbook here.
Congressional "Asks" for the Summit broken down by category.
For a complete list of Region 9 state-elected officials, please click here.
Courtesy of Americans for the Arts Action Fund
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 August and December.)
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 Resumes Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
According to the county's website: The use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine is resuming after a full safety review. To self-schedule, please call 734-544-6700 or email L-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org. Limited walk-ins also available while supplies last. See www.washtenaw.org/covid19vaccine for updates or subscribe to our email list at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
COVID-19 Cases High and Increasing in Washtenaw County
Keep Informed and Stay Safe
Visit Washtenaw County's central COVID-19 page with resources about vaccines, vaccination updates, travel restrictions, case updates and more. Click here for a more detailed breakdown of cases and demographics.
The Washtenaw County Health Department urges everyone
to please use all COVID-prevention measures whenever possible. Wear a mask,
keep your distance and wash hands often. Follow isolation or quarantine
guidance, and get vaccinated as soon as an appointment is available to you. Washtenaw County Health Department
supports these recommendations:
• High schools currently in person should shift
to remote learning
• Youth sports should voluntarily suspend in person
activities
• Everyone should avoid indoor dining at restaurants; choose outdoor
dining or takeout, if eating out
• Avoid gathering with others indoors.
Vaccine Information and Availability - Washtenaw County |
Self-Schedule at Washtenaw Pop Up Vaccination Sites - 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, Rite Aid, Kroger and CVS. 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.
Findashot.org - updates every few minutes. Shows vaccination sites throughout Michigan. Where to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine | Washtenaw County Updated 4.28.21 More Information on the COVID B117 Variant Health Department Washtenaw County Michigan Medicine's COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Availability |
Michigan Reported Second Highest COVID Case Day Since Pandemic Began
Cases Dropping, Yet Highest Deaths in Spring Surge
According to this COVID tracker report, "coronavirus case rates continue to fall from an April 13 peak, Michigan reported 131 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday May 1, the most reported on any day in the current spring surge."
Bridge Michigan most recently reported 3,431 new confirmed cases, putting the seven-day daily average at 3,581, almost half of the 7,014 peak April 13, a huge drop in just 18 days. In comparison, during the fall surge, when no vaccines were yet available, average case counts were still at 6,000 Day 18 after the Nov. 21 peak of 7,270 average daily cases.
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 preexisting conditions. Starting 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 Center for Disease Control's (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
Vaccine Pause Lifted on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced the resuming of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after an eleven-day pause. A fact sheet will be distributed to vaccine recipients and providers explaining the warnings of the rare blood clot complication.
The pause was in response to a supposed link between the vaccine and a rare blood clotting disorder called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia. This complication includes blood clots in the brain combined with low levels of platelets, blood cells that typically promote clotting. Experts claim the risk is very low, yet advise those who have received the vaccine to monitor for symptoms such as severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath.
To learn more about the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine:
FDA Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Information from Johnson & Johnson
COVID-19 Vaccine Information from Michigan Medicine
Janssen COVID-19 Information from the CDC
Helpful Resources
CDC Guidelines for Those Fully Vaccinated - How to Protect Yourself and Others
CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance
State of Michigan - Gov. Whitmer's Vacc to Normal Challenge Begins
The #MIVaccToNormalChallenge entails four vaccination-based milestones to get the state "back to normal." This includes the goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16+. According to the report, the spread has been slowing: daily cases have dropped from 649.9 cases per million to 439.3 cases per million, the percent of positive tests has declined from 18.3% to 13.2% and the number hospitalizations has fallen from 3,780 to 3,520. To learn more about the four phases in the the challenge, click here.
For guidelines on phasing back to in person work environments, read the latest MDHHS update from April 29. We will update you on social media and in our next newsletter with any new orders.
Still In Effect:
- Retail is allowed at 50% capacity.
- Casinos can operate at 30% 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% capacity, up to 300 people.
- Exercise facilities are allowed to be at 30% 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 Outlook Monitor: Confidence Rises for Public Activities
Latest Briefing from April 19
Find Alan Brown's report on the latest audience survey results here
See his April 5 "Deep Dive" session exploring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Audience Attitudes about COVID-19.
Find the latest S.E. Michigan Report here (courtesy of CultureSource.)
Local
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.
State/Regional
State to receive Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Michigan Strategic Fund for $892,400.00
According to this breaking press release report, Michigan is to receive its first phase of state funding from the American Rescue Plan. Information on the second phase distribution will become available sometime in June. These guidelines will provide further clarification on fund distribution among local arts agencies and organizations. The release emphasizes that "each state and jurisdictional arts agency and regional arts organization will determine its own processes and timing for awarding these funds." As far as direct grants to organizations, 60% of ARP funds will be distributed to nonprofits by the Arts Endowment. Stay tuned!
To receive updates on the NEA’s American Rescue Plan grant opportunities, please fill out this form.
Before the guidelines are released, the Arts Endowment encourages organizations to register, renew or verify their entity registrations with Grants.gov and the System for Award Management (SAM) . These registrations are free; however, they can take several weeks to process.
Bridge Builder's Microgrants Announced
The Michigan Municipal League Foundation's Bridge Builder's Microgrants are now available. Applications close May 31 so apply ASAP. This year, the MML Foundation is offering two categories for funding: Neighborhood Microgrants and Main Street Microgrants. Check to see if you live in a "League Member Community" before you apply. Click here.
Federal
NIVA's Economic Relief Fund - Paused but Keep in Mind
The NIVA Emergency Relief Fund is paused while independent venues and promoters apply for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, formerly known as the Save Our Stages Act. This is not the end of the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund. The long-term continuation of this program will support venues and promoters across the country in times of need when a community crisis occurs.
We encourage you to keep an eye on this fund, as it has been reported that there were fewer than anticipated number of applications, so keep in mind for supplemental grants in future. You can make a donation now to this fund.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Limit Increased
As of April 6, the limit for EIDL will increase to 24 months of economic injury with a maximum loan of $500,000. Apply here.
Artist Rescue Trust | COVID-19 Relief for Artists
The mission of Artist Rescue Trust is to provide relief funding to musicians and artists totaling $1,500 over three months and amplify their stories, performances and art to the world. We invite eligible artists and musicians who are facing financial complications from canceled events and bookings to fill out the application form to be considered. A new fund recipient will be randomly selected from the qualified pool each time $1500 is donated to A.R.T.
Learn more and apply here.
Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Resource and Response Center
Local
Visit our "In Case You Missed It" section earlier in the newsletter.
State/Regional
Destination Ann Arbor recently held an important strategic planning meeting to pave the road for economic recovery from the pandemic. If you missed the meeting, you can read the "road map" here.
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.
Community Needs Survey Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
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.
#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:
Creative Washtenaw
– COVID-19 Resources for Washtenaw County
_ Michigan Nonprofit Association COVID Resources as of April 5
– Aid, Assistance & Grants beyond Washtenaw County
– COVID-19 Health-Specific Updates and Resources
– 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
- Arts Action Fund's COVID-19 Arts Resources Page *updated*
- COVID-19's Pandemic's Impact on The Arts
- The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19: A Survey of Arts and Cultural Organizations and Creative Businesses. Americans for the Arts
- The Economic Impact of Coronavirus on the Arts and Culture Sector - Dash Board
- CAREs Act Table of Funding Opportunities for the Arts and Artists
- National Arts Administration and Policy Publications Database (NAAPPD)
- 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
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 April 19 Executive Briefing 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.
Are you paying artists and creative workers a fair wage?
Working Artists and the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E) is a national program initiated and operated by W.A.G.E. that publicly recognizes those nonprofit arts organizations demonstrating a history of, and commitment to, voluntarily paying artist fees that meet our minimum payment standards. If you are interested in becoming W.A.G.E. Certified please read the guidelines below, use the Fee Calculator and then begin an application here.
Washtenaw and local
Michigan Works! Southeast provides a plethora of support, training and services for job seekers.
Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development in partnership with United Way of Washtenaw County, has launched a Financial Navigator program to help residents manage the financial impact of COVID-19. Financial Navigators provide one-on-one telephone assistance (at no cost) navigating critical financial issues and making referrals to other social services and resources. Click HERE to read more or call 734-677-7202 to talk to a Financial Navigator.
Michigan
Latest resources from the Restaurant Meal Program and Epidemic Orders.
Resuming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
MDHSS resources and Epidemic Orders
Federal
President Biden's American Jobs Plan
Prepare for Child Tax Credits in July
President Biden's American Rescue Plan Details
I Have My PPP Loan, Now What? - UHY
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.
Living Her Legacy, Morgan Foreman-McGovern Is No 'Ball Of Confusion'
April 27, 2021 - Growing up in a household infused with art, creativity, and as the granddaughter of Motown Temptation Melvin Franklin, Morgan Foreman-McGovern gained confidence and direction. She is a Renaissance woman: a dancer, singer, advocate for the environment and the BIPOC community, and the constituent services director for Michigan Representative Felicia Brabec. She tells Creative Washtenaw's Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair her story on this edition of "creative:impact." Listen here.
Ellie Snyder Likes to Make People Laugh
May 4, 2021 - Self-described as a "failed music student," Ellie Snyder says she decided to seek out attention in a new way: making strangers laugh in bars. Imagine the irony of being an aspiring comic during the least funny time: a pandemic. With her style of observational humor, Ellie tells Creative Washtenaw's Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair her story on this edition of "creative: impact." Listen here.
Today: Webinar: Music Engagement and Population Mental Health - Sound Health Network
"My Why COVID-19 Vaccine Video" - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
"Entertainment Industry to Biden, Congress: Arts are infrastructure" -The Hill
"Why the Art World is Embracing Craft" - Artsy.net
"Local Collective to launch zine of women of color's poetry about Ypsilanti" - Concentrate Magazine
How Every Nonprofit can Help the Communities we Serve get Vaccinated - National Council of Nonprofits
"New Report Examines the Role of Arts and Culture in Fostering Social Cohesion and Community Well-Being" - National Endowment for the Arts
Stop Asian Hate: Resource Center - Petitions, Donations and More
"Why So Many Asian Americans Are Learning Remotely" - NPR
"Artists say a forgotten Nixon-era jobs program could radically alter federal arts funding" - The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Racialized and marginalized people are exhausted. We need a break from talking and thinking about inequity and injustice all the time" - Nonprofit AF
"In Call for National Arts Support, Don't Overlook Young Audiences" - American Theatre
"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
"Dance Can Give Community': Twyla Tharp On Choreographing Through Lockdown" - NPR
"Pioneering Program will pay St. Paul artists a guaranteed monthly income" - Star Tribune
"Yo-Yo-Ma joins University of Michigan for new residency spanning all three campuses" - Click on Detroit
"10 Fun Family Day Trips to Try Out" - Ann Arbor Family
"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
Enjoy programs and presentations from your arts + creative community
ProMusica PMD Live Presents Bassist and Composer Rick Robinson
Enjoy an evening of music and conversation with CutTime Simfonica, featuring Bassist and Composer Rick Robinson. A self-identified modern romantic American composer, Mr. Robinson also is a passionate advocate for classical music. May 13 at 7 p.m. ET. Free online event. More here.
Penny Stamps @ Home Virtual Event
Join Stamps professor Audrey Bennett for a live interview with Jane Prophet, Associate Dean for Research, Creative Practice and Strategic Initiatives. In this interview, she will discuss the ways that she is using design and design research to address issues of equity and access in communities in the state of Michigan, including Detroit. Learn more and register here. May 11, 12, noon ET.
Artist Residency Program at Riverside Arts Center
It's not too late to apply to Riverside Arts Center's Artist in Residence program. Space is open for clean media in our beautiful dance studio featuring a full wall of windows, two walls of mirrors, a bathroom and a separate foyer. Availability in May, June and July 2021. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed the first week of each month. In order to be considered, all materials must be received no later than midnight the month preceding.
University of Michigan Gifts of Arts - Call for Exhibits
The Gifts of Art Program is seeking submissions for solo and group art exhibits for the September 2021 to August 2022 exhibition year. 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. Learn more here. To see the full prospectus and submit to this call, click here. Deadline to apply is June 15, 2021.
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. The current exhibition runs May 7 - 27.
Cinetopia Kicks off May 2021/Young Filmmakers Camp
Click here to view the upcoming virtual movie palace showings. Do you have or know a 13- to 18-year-old who loves movies and storytelling? Reserve your young filmmaker's spot now for this summer's MTF Young Filmmakers Camp.
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! If there is a specific event within a series that you would like us to include, please email us a press release or announcement at info@creativewashtenaw.org.
Click here for membership information.
Local
Culture Source Presents: Innovation Week, May 10 - 14
Innovation Week focuses on making the tension of uncertainty productive and generative. The past year of crises have been difficult, and through this week of ideas, we aim to help peers avoid traditional planning and programming practices, and instead, imagine new futures and structure adaptive processes for realizing them. Learn more and register for workshops here.
New U-M art exhibit spotlighting queer health sciences appears in Ann Arbor storefronts - Click on Detroit
This new project created by The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities worked with four student artists identifying as queer from the from the U-M Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design to participate in the exhibition. This work of visual activism is meant to inspire empathy using art as basis for interconnectivity.
State
Call for Nominations! Submit your Nomination for the 2021 Michigan Humanities Awards here. Deadline to submit June 1, 2021.
Five Essential Arts Arguments to Make - Arts Midwest
Fact versus Fiction Government Arts Funding
Federal
Urge Representatives to Sign! (Put Creative Workers to Work)
Urge Representatives to Sign! (Rep. Debbie Dingell's CREATE Act)
Caucuses to Join:
2021 Congressional STEAM Caucus Sign up Form
2021 Congressional Arts Caucus Sign up Form
2021 Senate Cultural Caucus Sign up Form
Attend the 2021 Annual Convention | Americans for the Arts
The 2021 Annual Convention is our opportunity as a nonprofit arts field to gather and reimagine our creative field and communities. Join us as we explore how to put creative workers and cultural organizations to work as part of our collective recovery. June 8 - 11, 2021. Virtual. Apply below for a scholarship.
Apply for a Scholarship - May 8 Deadline***
As the arts and culture field continues to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans for the Arts is expanding access to the Annual Convention through extended scholarship opportunities.
Arts Ready and Lyrasis Now present: The Art of Mass Gatherings: Managing Modifications, Virtualizations and Expectations Webinar. May 26 at 2 p.m. ET. This webinar will explore the experiences and hard-won wisdom related to reopening venues, making audiences feel safe, and exploring new operational protocols for venues and artists. Register. Sign up for more webinars here.
Just how big and impactful is our sector to the national and state economy?
Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States BEA 2019
State Arts and Cultural Production 2019
COVID-19’s Pandemic's Impact on The Arts: Research Update April 12, 2021
Sign letters to Senators and Representatives to help federal funding for our nation's museums!
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
National
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.
A Complete Guide to 2021 Artist Grants & Opportunities | Artwork Archive
Local, Regional & State
Apply for the Detroit Sidewalk Festival - Call for Artists! Stipend Available.
The eighth annual Sidewalk Festival, Detroit’s most colorful and unique outdoor celebration of performance and installation art returns this year, with a new format, focusing on hyperlocal spatial interventions across the city. The festival will take place across four weekends from July 23 to August 15 in various outdoor locations throughout Detroit. We are looking for new creative works of dance, music, performance art, installation, visual art, workshops, happenings and panels. Sidewalk Festival supports the work of artists pushing creative boundaries. Call for proposals will open April 30 and will close at 11:55 p.m. on May 24. Application information can be found here. A PDF version of the guidelines and application questions can be found here. *Two artists will be selected to either perform or lead a demonstration and workshop. Selected artists will receive $500 stipends and $100 in materials from the Arts and Scraps store.*
Four Weeks Left to Apply! The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Grants
MCACA is now accepting Grant Applications for FY22, with most deadlines falling 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. New to this process? MCACA staff arehosting virtual "office hours." Monitor the MCACA Facebook page here to stay informed.
Save Art Space - Deadlines throughout April and May; vary by project
Submit your original artwork for billboard display in Detroit and other big cities. List of open calls. Recent call - 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. Pictured below: SaveArtSpace x Expression Against Oppression. Deadline June 14.
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.
Sphinx Venture Fund and Sphinx Lead Applications
Through competitive grants, Sphinx Venture Fund catalyzes initiatives designed to solve a challenge or an issue related to DE&I in the performing arts sphere, with an emphasis on classical music. Learn more and apply here. Apply by September 30, 2021. The application is also now open for Sphinx LEAD, a two-year professional empowerment program designed to evolve the landscape of arts leadership. Learn more here. Apply by October 20, 2021.
Transforming Power Fund - Program Coordinator
Corner Health Center - Grants Coordinator
NEW - Nonprofit Enterprise at Work - CFO Position
Detroit Zoo, Curator of Fine and Performing Arts
The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) Job Postings
Maker Works Seeks Part-Time Front Desk Worker
Arts Midwest - Communications and Finance Positions
The Acorn, Executive Director
Michigan Opera Theatre Jobs Listings
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 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.
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Creative Washtenaw's COVID-19 Support Page
- Resources– including advocacy, support and affiliation agencies
The Arts + Creative Industries Guide
With links to creative members and businesses.
Featuring hundreds of artists, creative workers, businesses and ally members, this is your guide to what makes Creative Washtenaw, and the greater Ann Arbor area one of Michigan’s strongest and most vibrant arts + creative industry hubs.
Creative Washtenaw is the arts + creative industry authority in Washtenaw County. A regional agency, its mission is to support, assist, aid and act in the interest of artists, creative workers, organizations, businesses, educational and government entities to ensure that the greater Ann Arbor, Michigan, region remains a great place to create, live, work, learn, play and visit.
The intrinsic and aesthetic values of the arts and creativity are determining factors of success for Creative Washtenaw members. They include local artists and creative people – professionals, amateurs, students and industry experts leading the sector locally, nationally and internationally – those with creative practices, businesses and holding creative jobs in profit, nonprofit, educational and government entities. With deep connections to Washtenaw County, they make the greater Ann Arbor area one of Michigan's strongest and most vibrant arts + creative industry hubs.
Creative Washtenaw serves Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake and Ypsilanti plus the 21 townships in the county. It is committed to, forever evolving and learning about diversity, equity and inclusion. This includes learning how its community defines the intrinsic and aesthetic qualities of art and creativity by the cultural expert, the credentialed scholar, the journeyed or self-taught master and/or the astute consumer of the form.
Creative Washtenaw is supported by its members, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
For more information, please go to Creative Washtenaw or contact info@creativewashtenaw.org or call or 734-213-2733.
