Michigan Arts and Culture Council

06/05/2026

"When artists organize festivals, open studios, design products, produce films, create public art, or launch creative businesses, they generate activity that attracts people, activates neighborhoods, and supports other local industries. Understanding the creative economy isn’t about turning artists into economists. It’s about recognizing the larger system your work already helps power and learning how to talk about that impact in ways that open doors."

A recent article from Arts Midwest explores the "Creative Economy", why it matters, and how you fit in.

Artists have been hearing the phrase creative economy a lot lately. Learn where you fit in and why it matters.

05/26/2026

We're excited to announce that the application for MI Museums, a three-year grant and training initiative aimed at Michigan museums, opens June 9. Learn more about the program, including applicant eligibility and program timeline, at our website: www.michiganhumanities.org/mi-museum-grants.

05/14/2026

Thumb Art Spark connects artists, site hosts, and supporters to execute public art projects across six counties in Michigan’s “Thumb”.

05/13/2026

Did you know? Does your organization track the value of volunteer time?

According to new data from the Independent Sector, in 2025 the estimated value of one volunteer hour in Michigan equated to $33.74.

Why do we calculate the value of volunteer time? Putting a dollar value on volunteer hours will never do justice to their true worth, but it is just one way for us to show the contributions individuals and organizations have made in our communities. The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Many nonprofits use the national and state value of volunteer time values to demonstrate the return on investment and in-kind contributions of volunteerism within their organizations.

See comments for a link to more information and the study methodology.

05/11/2026

Molina Healthcare of Michigan and The MolinaCares Accord donate $130,000 to libraries for pilot programs addressing senior social isolation.

05/07/2026

The Michigan Municipal League Foundation is calling on Michigan youth artists (ages 5-18) to submit original artwork that reflects what you love about your city, village, or township and features multiple elements that represent what makes it unique.

Deadline 5:00 p.m. (ET) on May 15, 2026.

  We love where you live and we want to see your community through your eyes (and art)! The MML Foundation is calling on Michigan youth artists (ages 5-18) to submit original artwork that reflects what you love about your city, village, or township and features multiple elements that represent what...

04/28/2026

The Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest semifinals are today! Help us cheer on Michigan's State Champion, Eliza Aldridge, from afar by tuning in to the livestream on Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. ET at www.arts.gov/poetry-out-loud.

04/23/2026

Applications are now being accepted for Michigan's Rural Heritage Partnership Program - deadline to apply is June 8, 2026

Launching today - Michigan's Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program!

This is a competitive grant program intended to support long-term investment in the irreplaceable heritage assets of Michigan’s small, rural communities. Program funding is specifically for building rehabilitation (i.e., “bricks and mortar”) projects and associated pre-development (e.g., plans and specifications) work. Local units of government, non-profits, and public entities are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible entities may also sponsor a project on behalf of a private property or business owner, so long as the project meets grant program eligibility. Eligible properties must already be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing property to a historic district. Other eligibility criteria also apply.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. June 8, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Learn more, review frequently asked questions and find application materials at https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/programs-and-services/rural-heritage-grant/

An optional informational webinar will be held on April 29, 2026. A recording will be made available on the Rural Heritage Program webpage afterward for those unable to participate. Anyone can register for the webinar by using this link in the comment below 👇👇

04/06/2026

A fleet of six Mobile Museums, known as "Freedom Trucks," are traveling throughout 2026, bringing the story of American independence to students, families, and citizens in every corner of our country. With interactive and inspiring content for visitors of all ages, the exhibit tells the harrowing story of how 13 colonies declared independence, defeated the greatest empire in the world, and secured American sovereignty 250 years ago. With engaging elements such as, “Are you a loyalist or patriot” quiz, a kiosk to sign your name digitally to the Declaration, and a wall of 50 American heroes, these exhibits celebrate the remarkable achievements that 250 years have made possible.

Freedom Truck Mobile Museums were created in partnership with PragerU and Hillsdale College and made possible by Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Visit a Freedom Truck

April 23 - 26 | Hillsdale, MI
Hillsdale College "CentralHallPalooza"
Hillsdale College
33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242

Official website of Freedom 250

04/01/2026

This artist, entrepreneur, and “Official Unofficial Ambassador to the U.P.” is on a mission to uplift Michigan's Upper Peninsula through quirky creativity and human connection.