Creative Washtenaw

🎨 The National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS) Announces Review of National Arts Standards 🎭 The NCAS has launched a comprehensive survey to gather feedback on the National Arts Standards for dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts—11 years after their release in 2014. With arts education evolving and nearly all states updating their arts standards, this review process will help ensure the arts remain a central part of a well-rounded education. We invite all arts educators, partners, organizations, and stakeholders to contribute critical insights to guide the future of arts education in the U.S. by completing this important survey. 🌟 👉🏾 Survey Link: https://loom.ly/fp7qknQ 📝 Complete Survey by May 16, 2025 #ArtsEducation #NCAS #ArtsStandards #CreativeFuture #ArtsInEducation

🚨 NEA Grant Update – Important Changes 🚨 The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will be releasing revised Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) guidelines on Monday, February 10th. What We Know: 🔹 The February 13, 2025, deadline is canceled. 📅 New deadlines: GAP 1: March 11, 2025 GAP 2: July 10, 2025 🔹 If you’ve already submitted an application, you must reapply under one of these deadlines. Additionally, the NEA is prioritizing funding for FY26-27 projects that celebrate America250—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Other important updates include: ✅ A new five-year arts programming history requirement (projects from 2018-19 can be included if COVID-19 impacted programming). ✅ No more dual applications for GAP and Our Town in the same fiscal year (Research Awards remain separate). ✅ A streamlined application process to align with the NEA’s mission and recent directives. Check out arts.gov/grants for further updates. ______ 📢 Stay informed! Join the free webinar on February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for a full breakdown of these changes. Registration is required, and recordings will be available afterward. Register Here: https://loom.ly/V1C2bW8 Please share with your networks—these updates impact artists and organizations nationwide! 🎭🎨✨ #NEAgrants #ArtsFunding #America250 #CreativeCommunities #TheArts

🚨 URGENT: If your organization is awaiting grant payments from the @neaarts, submit your request ASAP! With the current state of the political climate, time is of the essence—don’t delay. Spread the word! #GrantFunding #ArtsFunding #ActNow #Grants #WashtenawCounty #ArtsandCulture #CreativeEconomy

How about some feel-good news? 😅 Grammy- & Pulitzer-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens has been named U-M’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence! Known for her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Omar, and even Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘Em, Giddens will explore the overlooked contributions of Black Americans to music history. Through research, workshops, and public events, she’ll share her findings—culminating in a Penny Stamps Speaker Series event this September. Stay tuned for ways to engage! Learn more: https://loom.ly/KwKpf98 #CreativeWashtenaw #UMichArts #RhiannonGiddens

The news on the freeze of federal funds left our community and beyond reeling with questions. Our friends at the Michigan Nonprofit Association shared this information yesterday regarding the freeze. Is there anything nonprofits with federal grants can do before the pause takes effect? The pause on grants doesn’t take effect until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3. Some federal agencies may be willing to make advance payments to nonprofits before that time. If your nonprofit has a federal grant and is expecting a disbursement in the next few weeks, you may want to reach out to your grant administrator to find out whether you may be able to get your next disbursement before 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3. State of Michigan Response: (excerpt from MIRS 1/28/25) State Budget Director Jen Flood said they are working across the state government to see what funds would be impacted by the freeze. Flood said nearly $34 billion, or 42 percent, of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for state funding comes from the federal government. “Federal funding is critical to protecting the health and safety of all Michiganders – ensuring drinking water is clean and food is safe, keeping people in their homes and the power on, and funding homeland security and emergency management,” she said. Federal grants have provided more than $140 billion in funding to Michigan, including $13.6 billion in education; $68 million to address violence against women; $572.6 million in Veterans Affairs funding; and $3.5 billion in Head Start funding for early childhood, according to USASpending.gov. Actions to Take 1. Contact your member of Congress and Michigan Senators. It is critical that Congress hear from nonprofits and their constituents about the impact of a pause in funding, even a temporary pause. Some questions you can ask: What is the plan to protect the most vulnerable Michiganders, and indirectly, the nonprofits that serve them? How are you collecting information from constituents about the impact of this grants freeze? 2. Share your stories: Examples of the impact in Michigan help us communicate with federal and state leadership about the negative impact of this freeze. You can also send an email to: AHamaty@mnaonline.org 3. Sign on to a National Letter to Congress. There is much at stake for the work of charitable nonprofits with the 119th Congress. Join MNA in signing on to the Nonprofit Community Letter to ensure Representatives and Senators understand the importance and impact of our sector for their constituents and MI communities. Sign here: https://lnkd.in/ghh-aTb5

The White House announced a pause on federal grants and loans starting Tuesday as the Trump administration reviews spending to align with executive orders aimed at rolling back initiatives on transgender rights, environmental justice, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. While federal assistance programs like Social Security and Medicare remain unaffected, the freeze could temporarily disrupt funding for a wide range of programs, including arts organizations that rely on federal support. This uncertainty leaves nonprofits and arts institutions questioning how their funding will be impacted. Critics, including lawmakers and state attorneys general, have called the move illegal and are pursuing legal challenges. Learn more: https://loom.ly/qxOOe7A #CreativeWashtenaw #ArtsNews

This Member Monday, we are highlighting our enhanced member* FOUND Gallery. FOUND Gallery is a creatively curated shop in Ann Arbor's Historic Kerrytown neighborhood. Since 2005, it has featured local artists, a collection of jewelry, gifts, home décor, and some tiny treasures and nerdy science gifts. We would also like to give a shoutout to our new and renewing members: Art Meets Business, David Haffey, Barry LaRue, James Lee, and Neighborhood Theatre Group. *Enhanced members go above by adding generous support for Creative Washtenaw. Thank you! #CreativeWashtenaw #WashtenawCounty #Kerrytown

Ever wanted to learn to swing dance? Here’s your chance! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to rediscover your groove, everyone is welcome—no partner or experience needed. Kick off the night with a fun lesson at 8 PM, then dance the night away with great music, friendly faces, and good vibes. First Fridays are FREE, so why not take the leap? Join Riverside Arts Center and see why swing dancing is pure joy on the dance floor. Learn more: https://loom.ly/tSM5w2g #CreativeWashtenaw #YpsiReal #SwingDancing

Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, was appointed by President Biden in 2021 and resigned as chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) on Jan. 20. During her tenure, she championed the health benefits of the arts, addressed disparities in arts engagement, and oversaw a historic budget increase for the NEA. Dr. Jackson expressed gratitude for her time at the NEA and optimism for the future of the arts in America. Under her leadership, the NEA recently awarded $37 million in grants to support creative projects nationwide. The NEA chair is appointed by the President. The future is uncertain as President Trump advocated the cessation of the NEA entirely during his first term. Follow Creative Washtenaw for more updates, and read Jackson's statement here: https://loom.ly/QNfyA64 #CreativeWashtenaw #ArtsNews #NEArts

Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) is championing the CREATE Act to boost the creative economy, which contributes $919.7 billion annually to the U.S. GDP. This bipartisan legislation will expand access to microloans, provide economic development tools for artists, and tailor SBA programs to the needs of creative entrepreneurs. Organizations can email Veronica Winham (Veronica_Winham@schatz.senate.gov) to endorse the CREATE Act. Let’s support the creators and small businesses driving our economy forward! Learn more about the CREATE Act here: https://loom.ly/qW8ilFk #CreativeWashtenaw #WashtenawCounty #CREATEAct