Governor Whitmer Sustains Funding for Arts & Culture Amidst COVID-19 Recovery

While the State of Michigan continues to fight the spread of COVID-19, the state’s economy is suffering, residents are indoors and anxious for the start of spring, and many arts and cultural institutions continue to remain closed to protect their communities.

Residents in the state continue to receive the vaccine, yet the thought of returning to a dark theater to hear a symphony, see a show, or interact with a local artist at their exhibit opening seems so far away. Donors are helping to sustain the day-to-day operations of these organizations, keeping the lights on, staff employed, and hopeful for a brighter future after the pandemic.

But as the 1-year anniversary of Michigan’s closure nears, many arts and cultural organizations are finding hope in what late 2021, and into 2022 will bring for their organizations. Wharton Center for Performing Arts has announced the return of their popular Broadway series, interactive museums like the Air Zoo are continually enhancing their exhibits for museum visitors, and now Governor Gretchen Whitmer has presented her third executive budget which brings support for Michigan’s robust arts and cultural sector.

“To build Michigan’s economy back better, we must stay laser-focused on getting Michigan back to work and getting our kids back in school safely,” said Gov. Whitmer in a statement released late last week. “The budget plan, along with the MI COVID Recovery plan I announced last month makes the investments we need to jumpstart our economy and build a better Michigan for everyone.”

The $67.1 billion budget recommendation brings focus to equitably growing the state’s economy, bridge and water infrastructure, and helping small businesses recover from the pandemic. But within the proposed budget is a $9.5 million appropriation for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to continue their annual grantmaking process for Michigan’s cultural destinations.

Funding for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs supports a variety of grant programs, artistic projects, capital improvements, professional development activities, and operations for museums, historical societies, arts centers, theaters, libraries, schools and community events.

But what does that mean for arts organizations struggling amidst the pandemic?

Well, arts leaders can breathe a sigh of relief that the current administration continues to see the importance in supporting the $13.9 billion arts and cultural sector in the State of Michigan – even during this tough economic time for the state and nation.

While Governor Whitmer has proposed to sustain funding for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Advocacy Networking of Michigan, a statewide collaborative of cultural entities, is looking to advocate for additional funding to support Michigan’s creative economy.

“Our work is cut out for us to grow the FY22 appropriations for arts and culture in Michigan,” stated Deborah E. Mikula, President of the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. “Arts and cultural activities enrich our lives and make our communities the thriving and dynamic places where our residents want to live, work and visit.  We are making it our mission to make sure our legislators know the economic and community impacts that our festivals, artists and arts organizations, museums, historical societies, theaters, libraries and other cultural entities bring to our health and well-being.”

Looking to speak up and advocate for the arts? The Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan is preparing for their annual Michigan Cultural Advocacy Day March 11-12, 2021. Artists and administrators looking to sit at the table, share their voice, and advocate for continued and increased support for arts and culture can learn how to be better advocates at this annual event.

The statewide collaborative will share information, materials and insight on current topics important for cultural advocacy here in the state for 2021.

The virtual advocacy day will focus on sustaining and growing the appropriations for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and much more. Registration for this annual event can be found at canmichigan.org.