DECEMBER 8 2000 - The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), an agency within the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services (CIS), announced today that families in communities throughout the state will have many new opportunities to explore Michigan’s rich cultural heritage.

MCACA is awarding $269,800 in state arts and cultural funding for projects in 17 Michigan counties that provide greater access to and use of museum collections, explore the relationship between science literacy and cultural understanding and expression, and present quality activities to broad audiences.

CIS Director Kathy Wilbur said the grant awards reflect the Council’s continued commitment to making quality arts and cultural resources available throughout the state. Through this unique program, made possible by a 19 percent increase in arts funding approved by Governor John Engler and the legislature this year, the relationship between cultural organizations and their communities will be strengthened.

"Unlike other MCACA grant programs, the new Cultural Projects Program encourages cultural organizations such as science centers, history museums, zoos, planetaria, and children’s museums to strategically share resources, and develop low-cost synergistic programming. The program will increase public access to exhibitions and presentations, enhance cultural tourism, and expand organizational capacity," said Wilbur.

The program supports endeavors which create understanding and appreciation for the importance of heritage and culture to our aesthetic, economic and social growth as well as those with broad community impact and which develop the management and business skills of cultural producing and presenting organizations. All grant applications submitted to the program were evaluated through a peer-panel review process that culminated with recommendations made to the 15-member appointed Council.

"It is gratifying to support the endeavors of these 20 organizations which will play a significant role in the cultural and creative enrichment of Michigan citizens. We are very pleased that through our work together we can help ensure the care and dissemination of Michigan’s rich cultural heritage," said MCACA Chairman Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr.

The $269,800 in state grants is for fiscal year 2001 that started October 1, 2000 and ends September 30, 2001. These grants require matching funds from other public and private sources. For further information about the Cultural Projects Program, contact the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs at 517/241-4011 or visit the MCACA website here..

Click here for the list of recipients and amount of grant.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.