This week leaders from the arts and culture community will be in Lansing for Michigan Arts Advocacy Day. Creative Many Michigan, a statewide nonprofit supporting the creative sector which is supported by several CMF members, organized the day for arts advocates to meet with our lawmakers on the importance of supporting arts, culture and arts education in Michigan.

“Arts Advocacy Day is a time for the broad spectrum of artists, creative individuals and organizations to make their voices heard by decision-makers,” Jennifer Goulet, president and CEO of Creative Many Michigan said. “Creativity runs deep in Michigan and translates into big impact on our economy and communities. Our Creative State Michigan research proves that the creative industries — including arts and culture — are a significant driver in our state that make Michigan a great place to live, work, invest and explore. Investment is required for our creative culture to thrive.”  

Creative Many Michigan recently released its 2018 Creative State Michigan Nonprofit Report which details the economic impact of arts on tourism and jobs, the benefits of student engagement and connections to building vibrant communities.  

The report examined data from 410 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Michigan, which represent about 16 percent of the sector.

Highlights of the data:

• The arts and culture nonprofit organizations contributed nearly $1.25 billion in annual direct expenditures in Michigan.

• Arts and culture activities generated $1.3 billion in direct tourism dollars in Michigan in 2016.

• About 4.1 million school children experienced arts and culture venues and programming, which is a 14 percent increase from the previous year.

• The nonprofit organizations hosted more than 307,000 events, exhibitions, films, workshops and programming. Of these events, 76 percent of all visits were free for attendees.

• In 2016, the arts and culture nonprofit organizations provided more than 25,000 jobs in Michigan.

• More than 91,000 people were engaged with the nonprofit arts and culture organizations, from paid staff to volunteers.

“Michigan’s position as a global competitor depends on the investment in our arts, culture and creative industries — making Michigan a great place to live, work and explore,” the report states. “The creative sector must play a vital role in strategies for the future.”

Michigan Arts Advocacy Day is Wednesday, April 18, for those who are unable to attend you can also provide support as a partner, promoting the day on social media and to your networks.

Want more?

Read Creative Many Michigan’s 2018 Creative State Michigan Nonprofit Report.

Connect with CMF’s Arts and Culture Affinity Group.