Let’s face it, this is a moment of uncertainty. New political policies are announced on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, and are often subsequently mired in legal battles that only cause more confusion. Whether around tariffs, foreign policy, or education, it’s easy to feel unmoored. And few sectors are dealing with more uncertainty than we are in “The Arts”.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently cancelled The Challenge America Grant for 2025, a program that has supported historically underserved communities that have limited access to the arts relative to geography, ethnicity, economics, and/or disability. And, while the NEA is encouraging projects to apply for America 250 and the Grants for Arts Project (GAP), they have also announced new guidelines restricting applicants from promoting diversity, equity, or inclusion.
While these national policies might seem distant, local and regional Arts Organizations are feeling the effects.
But we can make a difference. We know the power of the arts on a local level. We understand the importance of local theatres, dance companies, symphony orchestras, and operas. And we also know that these local organizations are in need of support, now more than ever.
So, here at Encore Michigan, we’re going to do something about it.
Every Monday we will uplift an Arts Organization(s) in Michigan and encourage the community to support. Whether it’s a call for volunteers, fundraising, or in-kind donations, we will center organizations across the state by shining a spotlight on their work.
And you can help. If you know of a company in need of support just fill out the form linked at the end of this piece.
And now, without further ado, here are this week’s ARS ORGS TO SUPPORT. (I know, the name isn’t very original, lol. Got an idea for something better? Email us at info@encoremichigan.com)
Creative360 | Midland, MI www.becreative360.org
Mission:
“Our mission is to create spaces that enable people of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the creative process, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through the arts and humanities.”
About:
In 2024, Creative 360 celebrated 29 years as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization. Founded in 1994 by Cynthia Keefe and Linda Z. Smith as “The Creative Spirit Center,” their journey has transformed into Creative 360, offering countless individuals in and around Midland, MI, the opportunity to engage in the creative process across various forms.
Creative 360 offers a diverse range of exhibits, classes, workshops, and events tailored to all age groups and demographics, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, veterans, at-risk teens, and youth. Those with Medicaid Community Living Supports can utilize their budget to enroll in classes and workshops.
Ways to Support:
You can volunteer for or donate to Creative 360 at www.becreative360.org/about
The Actors’ Theatre | Grand Rapids, MI Home - Actors' Theatre Grand Rapids
Mission:
Actors' Theatre is committed to bringing West Michigan the best in entertaining, innovative, challenging and thought-provoking theatre.
About:
Founded in 1980, Actors' Theatre, a tax exempt not-for-profit organization, was created through the efforts of Fred Sebulske, then a faculty member of the theater department at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), and a group of local actors. Then and now Actors' has been a showcase for the talents of local actors and a training resource for theater students in West Michigan.
From its inception, Actors' Theatre has been committed to productions which address issues that reflect the dilemmas, conflicts, and joys of human existence.
Creating conversations around social issues to expand audience thinking.
Challenging and supporting artists in growing their craft.
Supporting artists financially.
Building an artistic community that is inclusive and diverse.
Shaping West Michigan’s cultural identity.
Giving voice and space to the marginalized and othered
Ways to Support:
You can support The Actors’ Theatre at Make a Donation to Support the Work of Actors' - Actors' Theatre Grand Rapids
The GhostLight Arts Initiative | Detroit, MI www.ghostlight.art
Mission:
The GhostLight Arts Initiative (GLAI) s a social-impact organization dedicated to the use of the creative, performing, and media arts as catalysts for social progress. Our goal is to leverage every artistic avenue to create tangible and sustainable impact across social and cultural systems. This impact is felt broadly through programming targeted with a national reach, and locally with efforts designed specifically to empower the city of Detroit.
About:
GLAI leverages every artistic avenue to create tangible and sustainable impact across the Detroit arts ecosystem, lessening economic barriers for BIPOC Artists. We support our community at home and abroad via culturally transformative artistic practices. Programming is guided by our three key pillars: Audience & Community Engagement, Artistic & Cultural Enlightenment, and Diversified Economic Sustainability.
GhostLight Programming includes:
The Obsidian Theatre Festival
The Detroit IMPACT Arts Conference
The Yong Artists Workshop
The Detroit Artists Fellowship Program
Encore Michigan (Yep! That’s right! GhostLight is the umbrella for Encore Michigan, ensuring access to industry information and infrastructure necessary for our community to thrive!)
Ways to Support:
Visit https://bit.ly/GLAIgive to support The GhostLight Arts Initiative or use https://bit.ly/encoremich to support Encore Michigan directly.
Maybe you haven’t heard of these companies, or maybe you’re already a fan. Regardless, we hope you take a few moments to check out their work and find a way to get involved.
Artists can change the world. I promise. We do it every day.
Do you work for or know of an organization that needs support? Use this link to submit them for the weekly feature.