Conversations Across Michigan

Michigan Visions (hear audio stories)
MCACA/TMR Regional Visioning Reports (read reports)

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) is proud that its annual meeting hosted the first public gathering of the agencies comprising the new department. This prior conference offered a splendid occasion for discovering new colleagues and for beginning a process of envisioning the future of those organizations that contribute so significantly to the quality of life in Michigan: arts, cultural and historical organizations, and libraries. As MCACA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding, it's a perfect time to come together, to celebrate, and to consider what the future may hold.

Arts and culture are not only significant factors in our quality of life, but are a large and important part of our State's economy, generating an estimated 46 billion in revenue in 2001 alone according to a Wayne State University Report. In response to the opportunities and challenges created by this growing industry, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has initiated a process to engage citizens from all walks of life and from all regions of the state in future-focused visioning and dialogue centered on two main questions:

1. How can our state's cultural resources improve the quality of life and contribute to the economy in our state?
2. And, on a personal level, what do you want from your cultural environment in the future?

Information and insights gained will be used by the Council to help set direction and priorities for future Council initiatives and funding plans.   We want to ensure representation of all citizens, and are pursuing a number of strategies to ensure that all voices are heard in "Shaping Michigan's Cultural Future!"