All artists who count on state grants to survive have had a huge shock here in Michigan. As of Saturday, March 31, 2007, an executive order from Lansing has put all state art grant monies in jeapordy. This came in a bulletin from Gov. Jennifer Granholm who announced "For the remainder of 2007, a moratorium is imposed on the expenditure of funds in the form of grants to persons or entities."
This translates to individual artists grants and to arts councils who count on the funds to survive. ArtServe Michigan is organizing a rally at the state capitol (see details below).
What is the most ironic, is that I had just two days previously research the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo with a plan to re-join and again seek grant funds to mount a show of my artwork. Since I have been a former member and know how the group works, I almost sent in my money that same day!
There are a lot of grant seeking artists out there who have disappointing days ahead.
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In a State of Crisis:
Mobilizing The Arts Community for Michigan
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Michigan is facing a defining moment. In the next weeks and months, we will either find out that our citizens and the elected officials who represent them understand that reinventing Michigan and its economy is a MUST for our survival or . . . we will discover that the rhetoric of reinvention, the creative economy, human capital, innovation and entrepreneurship means nothing in which case, Michigan will continue its steady decline. The Governor's decision to put a moratorium on all state grants effectively freezing $7.5 million promised to arts and cultural organizations of all sizes and throughout Michigan coupled with the Senates' proposal to cut the funding for those grants by $3.6 million in the current fiscal year demonstrate a lack of understanding about the essential role that this sector plays in turning the rhetoric into impact.
The bottom line is - as part of a healthy human ecosystem, Michigan MUST have a strong, diverse and vibrant arts and cultural sector in order to create a quality of life that will retain and attract the talent we so desperately need . . . the workforce, the businesses, the entrepreneurs and visitors we need to survive and thrive in the New Economy. Consequently, we need to collectively take a stand that continued disinvestment in Michigan's arts and cultural sector is unacceptable and damaging to Michigan's future.
To bring this message home, ArtServe will hold a rally at the State Capitol from 9:00am - 10:30am, Wednesday, April 18th. While details are still being worked out, the event will consist of addresses from 4-6 major business leaders, followed by ArtServe very publicly "pressing" our elected officials to take action on these Four Key Requests:
1) End the current moratorium on state grants to arts and cultural organizations.
2) No cuts for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs in the current fiscal year (2007)
3) At least a $1 million incremental increase in fiscal year 2008 to begin restoring funding to past levels for arts and cultural grants
4) Stable and adequate funding for arts education and arts educators
We all need to step to the plate and take action. To maximize our individual and collective efforts, please click the following links to access the Message legislators need to hear from you; a specific list of Actions we are requesting of arts organizations and individuals; the Speaking Points with which to familiarize yourself; a list of 29 key legislators specific to this issue; and details on Proposals (access this information by clicking on the Proposals link on ArtServe's Web site) currently being considered by the legislature.
If you have any questions, please contact ArtServe's Director of Advocacy, Drew Buchholz, at (517) 371-1720 extension 222 or by e-mail at drew@artservemichigan.org.
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