Experience Michigan with a Fresh Perspective

Let’s say It’s a Wednesday at 5 p.m., and like always, I’m considering what my plans are for the weekend ahead, not to mention how I’ll spend the current evening. As a millennial with a constant sense of urgency to experience the best of what’s around me, I have a thirst for cutting-edge, creative and experiential artistic activities. My passions are varied, I’m bold and adventurous, and willing to travel to any corner of Michigan for the coolest opportunities.

‘But where can you find those experiences?’ you might ask. You mean… you aren’t already in the know of them?

Don’t worry, I’m seeking to bring focus to those activities, and the artists and creatives behind them. Artists are making the Fresh Coast State a vibrant place, and you guessed it, the “fresh coast” is uniquely ours to claim here in the State of Michigan. It’s time we promote the work fueling our souls, rebuilding our communities, and influencing the outcomes of our young people in schools today.

If you are reading this, you get it. Welcome to our community at Fresh Perspective, where we share the belief that the creative industry is critical for Michigan’s economy and our quality of life.  

Now, who am I and why have I started this? Well, I’m Josh Holliday, an avid arts supporter, theatre nerd, writer by trade, and extrovert by nature. I’ve been working in the Arts field since I was a student at Michigan State University (Go Green!), and I’ve had the honor of experiencing the pure joy of Michigan’s creative sector, artists and cultural destinations my entire life.

Can you remember that overwhelming feeling of happiness while walking the streets of a festival; the pause and reflection in one of our art galleries; the joy, laughs and tears evoked from a staged production at one of our many theaters; or discovering something you never knew in one of our museums?

I remember all of that, but I also treasure the stories and interactions that I have had with the artists and creatives who made them possible. Michigan is a haven for creative, innovative and passionate artists who are keeping this state alive. They are quite literally fueling our State with forward thinking visions, solving complex problems, and working to make us into better people, better communities.

I truly believe that art has the power to transform lives, you’ve likely heard it before. But, if we collectively celebrate that power and share it with our friends and neighbors, we can elevate the creative sector in our state and make tremendous transformations in the lives of many.

Join us as we shine a Fresh Perspective on art and culture in the State of Michigan with freshcoastperspective.com.

Fresh Perspective is a new digital platform telling stories of the artists, creatives and innovators that are making Michigan, the Fresh Coast State, a vibrant place. We are a resource to broadcast the latest news stories for cultural organizations in all communities across Michigan, and a hub for the latest initiatives that you’ll want to check out.

We’ll be unveiling a new podcast this spring, the Fresh Coast Podcast, but in the meantime, read the latest stories on our creative industry here in the mitten. Join us, subscribe for our weekly email, and harness our collective potential as we share the stories that inspire the creative in each of us.

This piece was written by Josh Holliday, Founder & Editor of Fresh Perspective.