The Arts Alliance announced that Washtenaw County arts and cultural organizations and artists are to receive more than $1 million in grants from the Michigan Council for Art and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) for the FY2020 funding cycle. MCACA announced $9.6 million in grants statewide at its council meeting. Washtenaw County received the second highest funding allocation in the state following Wayne County ($1.8M).
“It’s clear to see that the State of Michigan has made a major investment in arts and culture through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,” said Deb Polich, The Arts Alliance president/CEO. “The grants received by The Arts Alliance and our colleagues directly impact the quality of life, as well as education, economy and tourism throughout the state. And we see that impact every day here in Washtenaw County.”
The Arts Alliance received a general operating support grant to invest in its work on behalf of the arts + creative industries throughout Washtenaw County. As the MCACA administrator for the Region 9 Regranting program, The Arts Alliance also received $41,300 to redistribute to applicants in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw counties.
These grants are made in two categories: Arts & Cultural Projects and Professional & Organizational Development. The applications are reviewed by panels comprised of artists, residents and organizational leaders from Region 9. The panels carefully considered each application based on criteria set by MCACA. Funding for FY2020 is awarded to 21 of 45 applicants.
| Arts & Cultural Grants | County | City | Award |
| Hillsdale County Schools | Hillsdale | Hillsdale | $2,000 |
| Jackson District Library | Jackson | Jackson | $3,200 |
| Adrian District Library | Lenawee | Adrian | $2,300 |
| City of Tecumseh DDA | Lenawee | Tecumseh | $3,200 |
| Livingston Arts Council | Livingston | Howell | $2,000 |
| Akshara | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $2,200 |
| Ann Arbor Public Schools | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $2,300 |
| Copper Color Mountain Arts | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $3,200 |
| Jodie Randolph Dance Company | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $2,200 |
| WonderFool Productions | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $3,200 |
| St. James’ Episcopal | Washtenaw | Dexter | $1,000 |
| Erickson Elementary | Washtenaw | Ypsilanti | $3,200 |
| Neighborhood Theatre Group | Washtenaw | Ypsilanti | $2,000 |
| Pro/Org Development | County | City | Award |
| Ella Sharp Museum | Jackson | Jackson | $1,250 |
| Adrian Symphony Orchestra | Lenawee | Adrian | $1,075 |
| Community Music School of Ann Arbor | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $1,275 |
| Kerrytown Concert House | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $1,000 |
| The Ark | Washtenaw | Ann Arbor | $1,150 |
| Saline Arts and Culture | Washtenaw | Saline | $1,300 |
| Juliet Hinely | Washtenaw | Ypsilanti | $1,100 |
| Voices in Harmony | Washtenaw | Ypsilanti | $1,150 |
