The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs today approved $5,675,400 in 312 grants grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations around the state.
As usual with the annual grants, Washtenaw County was among the better-funded in the state, with 22 different agencies winning $485,000 in support.
The awards were a dramatic increase over last year's $2 million in grants. MCACA received 401 applications requesting $8.9 million, according to a press release.
“The best our state has to offer is reflected in these grants. This industry provides an invaluable service to our communities, from Houghton-Hancock to Coldwater, from Holland to Port Huron,” said MCACA Executive Director John Bracey in a prepared statement. “Beyond mere economy, these organizations give voice to the unspeakable. They really don’t recognize borders and crossing barriers is in their DNA. They welcome everyone to participate in their passion and give us something we can all do together. I am proud to be the director of MCACA and I’m proud of the work the field as a whole is doing for us all through MCACA funding.”
Last year, 16 Washtenaw County agencies won funding. In addition to more local organizations being funded this year, nearly all the local organizations that usually receive funding saw their grants increase this year.
Here is the list of Washtenaw agencies receiving funding. Some agencies get multiple grants because they are earmarked for specific programs:
Ann Arbor Art Center: $22,500
Ann Arbor Art Center: $12,000
Ann Arbor Film Festival: $15,000
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum: $25,500
Ann Arbor Summer Festival: $22,500
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra: $25,500
Artrain: $15,000
Chelsea Center for the Arts: $17,000
Chelsea District Library: $6,000
Jazzistry: $6,000
Kerrytown Concert House: $15,000
Michigan Theater Foundation: $25,500
Neutral Zone: $19,000
Neutral Zone: $14,573
Out Loud Chorus: $3,750.00
Performance Network: $15,000
Regents of the University of Michigan: $15,000
Regents of the University of Michigan: $15,000
Regents of the University of Michigan: $30,000
The Ark: $22,500
The Arts Alliance: $33,300
The Arts Alliance: $11,220
The Arts Alliance: $17,000
University Musical Society: $34,000
Wild Swan Theater: $4,900
Wild Swan Theater: $19,000
Young Adults' Health Center $15,000
Ypsilanti Community Band: $3,000
Ypsilanti District Library: $5,250