The Power of a Unified Arts & Cultural Sector
When I sought out to share a wide breadth of stories from all corners in the Fresh Coast State with this digital platform, I felt passionate about uncovering the untold stories and representing the best of what makes Michigan such a unique place. And in the pursuit of these stories, I found myself deeply connected with the leaders of the arts and cultural sector, working to build a more unified coalition to advocate and bolster one of Michigan’s greatest economic engines.
But where does arts and culture start, and where does it end? This seems to have been an unending debate amongst creatives, practitioners and entities – buy why?
As I have talked with many individuals about their work, their impact on their community, and their motivation to invest their time and talents in their craft – I’ve come to see “arts and culture” as a melting pot with a rich and flavorful soup brewing. From the artists to the librarians, the historians and museum curators, the fundraisers and the presenters, and certainly the festival organizers and zookeepers, what unifies us is our pursuit of building experiences that enrich society makes us significantly stronger.
They each have talents, creativity and innovation to be celebrated, and this melting pot contains a nutritious soup that is bubbling and thickening. And when you think of your favorite soup, you enjoy its many unique attributes that create the taste and flavor people know and enjoy. The vegetables represent the diversity in disciplines that fuel the health of the state’s economy, and the broth creates a connection that delivers a taste for the well-being of humanity.
And when we fix ourselves a cup of soup, and share it with our community, stakeholders, and policy-makers that are fundamental for our prosperity, we can gather as people to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Advocacy is critical for the work of the arts and cultural sector, and there has always been, and will always be, a need to convey our message in a unified front. And when we work together as a comprehensive arts and cultural sector, that is celebrating and supportive of all its parts (or you can say its “vegetables”), we can achieve more.
I’m proud to witness and support the dedicated work of Michigan’s Cultural Advocacy Network. Representing a diverse collection of niche groups, they continue to build support for an industry that makes our home a better place to be and create. So, as we each pursue collaborations and speak of the critical cultural assets in the Fresh Coast State, remember that includes the artists, galleries, museums, historians, libraries, archives, theaters, zoos, festivals and more. Because, to strengthen our message and tell our story, it is imperative that we leave nobody behind.
This piece was written by Josh Holliday, Founder & Editor of Fresh Perspective.
