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March 26, 2009

Forum: Don't forget creative class

BY JENNIFER H. GOULET

Creativity in Michigan took a hard hit in Gov. Granholm's fiscal year 2010 state budget proposal with the near elimination of funding to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The recommendation, if approved, could cut deeply into communities across our state large and small.

At a time when Michigan's economy is under siege, the arts and cultural sector has been dismissed in spite of its clear role in rebuilding our state by fostering creativity and attracting the talent and business investment the state needs.

Her recommendation reduces state support for arts and cultural initiatives to $1 million and restricts that funding to only capital planning projects, such as facility improvements and expansions, stripping the capacity of Michigan's cultural institutions to provide the rich programming that transforms individuals and communities.

This proposed cut impacts organizations proportionately from world class institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Symphony Orchestra to small community-based groups at time when economic factors are sharply decreasing availability of other resources.

In 2009, Michigan invested $7.9 million in arts and cultural funding that was distributed to 290 organizations across the state -- organizations that contribute to the estimated 70,000 jobs in arts and cultural organizations statewide. The projects directly supported by these funds created nearly 2,500 new jobs. Clearly Michigan's creative sector contributes richly to the economic vitality of our state.

Her recommendation misses the fact that these programs have suffered deep cuts since 2002 when state funding stood at $27 million and dropped to a low of $6.5 million in 2007, ranking Michigan at number 50 in per-capita spending for the arts. Thanks to grass roots support from across our state, small but steady increases have been supported by our state Legislature leading to this year's total allocation of $8.1 million.

Arts and cultural destinations are a major draw -- and revenue generator -- for visitors to our state. Studies consistently confirm that the majority of adult travelers include in their itineraries arts and cultural activities. We also know these travelers spend more and stay longer, fueling Michigan's tourism industry, contributing to jobs and driving economic activity in communities across our state.

We urge Gov. Granholm and our state Legislature to invest in arts and culture as a tool that can be a vital part of the solution to Michigan's economic crisis by maintaining a steady level of state funding for arts and cultural programming in 2010.

The citizens of our state deserve long-range strategies and true government reform, not short-sighted budget cuts that sacrifice the very resources that can contribute to our state's transformation. Keep the creative class in session and put it to work rebuilding Michigan as a destination for innovation, opportunity and prosperity.

About the author: Jennifer H. Goulet is president and chief executive officer of ArtServe Michigan, a statewide arts and cultural advocacy organization.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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