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Philanthropy helps arts, culture statewide
By ANN RICHARDS
Flint is not the only Michigan city where philanthropy is investing significant dollars in the arts infrastructure as a way to improve quality of life and strengthen economic development in those communities.
In 2004 alone, for example, foundations distributed $96 million in arts-related funding, according to the 2006 Michigan Foundation Directory.
Since 2001, Michigan’s national rank in per capita arts funding by the state government has dropped from fourth to 35th.
The state’s private, family, corporate and community foundations have helped to make up for that loss, providing funding for many projects -- from the $230-million renovation and expansion of the Detroit Institute of Arts to smaller, downtown revitalization efforts, such as Kalamazoo’s Epic Center, a renovated department store housing 11 nonprofit arts agencies and small retail ventures.
Grantmakers across the state are so concerned about the dwindling public funding for the arts that they recently formed the Arts Affinity Group through the Council of Michigan Foundations. In November 2007, the funders met in Lansing to discuss strategies to help prop up the state's arts communities.
“The arts can make a huge difference,” said Melonie Colaianne, a member of the new affinity group and president of the Masco Corporation Foundation. Masco has invested more than $2 million in a project to revitalize and enhance the Detroit community through arts, culture and housing.
The arts, says Colaianne, are an essential component to a city’s civic and economic revitalization and residents’ quality of life.
According to a recent study by the Michigan Nonprofit Research Program, nearly $2 billion in revenue are generated annually in Michigan by nonprofit arts and cultural activities.
Such activities directly or indirectly support 108,000 jobs in the state, the study found. Visitors to Michigan spend $65.7 million for arts and cultural activities annually. And the average state household spends about $31 a month visiting museums, community theaters, university-sponsored performances, zoos and symphonies.
By creating cultural hubs, nonprofit arts organizations help cities define themselves, draw tourists and attract investment, according to Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization. In Michigan, one-third of all households surveyed said the quality and availability of arts and cultural activities would play a key role in their next relocation decision.
To learn more about the Economic Benefits of Michigan's Arts and Cultural Activities, published by the Michigan Nonprofit Association, visit http://www.mnaonline.org/.