NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

Detroit-born violinist Regina Carter talks with Linda Yohn of 90.9 WRCJ about receiving the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters Award.

FLINT, MI - The FIM (Flint Institute of Music) Flint Repertory Theatre received great news recently when a $10,000 grant came through its pipelines from the National Endowment for the Arts. The FIM will use the grant money to further support its play development and initiatives through its New Works Festival held in April. Flint Repertory Theatre is part of FIM, which has received several NEA grants in the past. “This (grant) goes right into our mission of creating and developing new work that will start here and have a life outside of here,” said Michael Lluberes, Producing Artistic Director of Flint Repertory Theatre. Visit the The Flint Repertory Theatre on its website.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Muskegon readers will have an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate literary classics this fall. The public is invited to join Muskegon Area District Library and Hope College in bringing the National Endowment for the Arts, “Big Read Lakeshore” to Muskegon County. During October and November, the district library will partner with Muskegon area elementary, middle and high schools to engage students in the conversation. “We hope to bring our community together through a shared literary experience to help us better understand ourselves and our neighbors,” said Ron Suszek, director of the Muskegon Area District Library. The Little Read book is “Last Stop on Market Street,” while the Middle Read is “Superman.”Over 40 programs will be available at 10 different branches highlighting each book, with discussions at Muskegon Area District Library branches scheduled to begin in September.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Art Center has announced plans to use a $100,000 federal stimulus grant to add staff resources to reactivate and expand programs. “The National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan funding will help arts organizations rebuild and reopen. For more information on the Ann Arbor Art Center, including upcoming events, classes and visual art opportunities, visit annarborartcenter.org. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:‘Multi-colored portals’ and ‘bursts of confetti-like’ art coming to Ann Arbor alleysNew downtown Ann Arbor development will create housing for artists, homelessCinnaholic celebrates first Michigan store with $1 cinnamon rolls for a dayHow should Ann Arbor spend $24M federal stimulus? Survey now openTwo-thirds of trees planted by city of Ann Arbor not thriving, study finds

ANN ARBOR, MI — Several local organizations from the Ann Arbor Film Festival to the University Musical Society are receiving National Endowment for the Arts grants. A total of $289,297 in federal funding is going to seven creative-economy organizations in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn. Recipients include:Ann Arbor Film Festival, which received a $20,000 media arts grant. University Musical Society, which received a $40,000 presenting and multidisciplinary works grant. The NEA has awarded 44 direct grants totaling nearly $1.2 million throughout the 12th District over the past six years, according to Dingell’s office.

FLINT, MI — U. S. Rep. Dan Kildee recently announced $25,000 in new federal funds to help increase community access to culture, dance and theater. Kildee, D-Flint Township, announced this week that two Flint arts organizations will receive $25,000 in federal funds. “Michigan’s Fifth District is home to world-class arts organizations, museums and theaters. “These federal resources will allow Flint arts institutions to continue and expand the ways they enrich our community. In Congress, I will continue to work to bring federal resources to mid-Michigan.”The awards were made through the National Endowment for the Arts Grants for the Arts Projects program.

The American Rescue Plan set aside $135 million for arts and culture, nearly doubling the amount that was available in President Trump's CARES Act, and makes more groups eligible for funding.

Birds of Chicago perform at U-M's Hill Auditorium at the 41st Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Jan. 27, 2018. (Credit: Andrew Rogers)ANN ARBOR – The National Endowment for the Arts has approved a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects award for The Ark to support the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. The Ark, an intimate folk music venue in downtown Ann Arbor, has been presenting, preserving and encouraging folk, ethnic and roots music for 55 years. Each year, The Ark presents the Ann Arbor Folk Festival at the end of January in the University of Michigan’s historic Hill Auditorium. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support this project from The Ark,” Arts Endowment Acting Chairman Ann Eilers said in a statement.