About the Network

The ArtServe Michigan Arts Action Network is a new 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization affiliated with ArtServe Michigan to heighten the impact of advocacy for the arts, culture and arts education and the transformative power of the creative economy in Michigan. The Network's mission is "to engage advocates and leverage all available resources to influence positive change for arts, culture and arts education at the federal, state and local levels".

The Network was created in 2011 to increase the impact of arts advocacy in Michigan by maximizing all available resources for grassroots and direct lobbying. The Network will lead arts advocacy action efforts – connecting and engaging Michigan arts advocates to take action in support of the arts at the local, state and federal levels. Further, the Network will provide an increased presence in the state and federal legislative and election arenas through the use of additional lobbying resources.

In its affiliate role as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ArtServe Michigan will continue leading statewide arts advocacy with a sharpened focus on the development and dissemination of research, information, and resources such as toolkits to educate and equip its constituents to be informed and effective advocates for the creative sector in Michigan.

Goals of the Network

• Increase public and private investment, policy and program support for the arts, culture, arts education and creative economy in Michigan.
• Ensure access to a high quality, consistent, sequential, standards-based arts education for all students in grades pre-K through 12.
• Establish and engage the Michigan Arts and Cultural Caucus to increase legislative awareness and support for state investment, policy and program support for the creative sector.
• Engage 25,000+ advocates statewide in the Network's grassroots advocacy initiatives.

Network Priorities

• Inform elected officials, candidates, community leaders, media, and citizens about the importance of the arts, culture, arts education and creative economy to Michigan, its people and communities.
• Disseminate strategic communications and organize events to educate and engage advocates and supporters to increase awareness for the value of the arts, culture, arts education and creative economy for Michigan's future.
• Lead grassroots advocacy and direct lobbying for policies and funding that support and sustain the arts, culture, arts education and the creative economy in Michigan.
• Lead advocacy training to equip and engage constituents at the state, regional and local levels to be effective advocates for the creative sector both statewide and within their own communities.