Network Priorities

The work of the Network will be focused on accomplishing the following goals for 2012 and beyond:

Rebuild State Funding for Arts and Culture

The Network seeks an $8.5 million appropriation in the FY 2013 budget for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), including $400,000 for an administrative line to support related staff and operating costs. In Fiscal Year 2009, funding for the MCACA was cut 70% and the administrative line eliminated, with flat funding allocated in subsequent years to the $2,567,400 appropriation for FY 2012.

Protect Arts Education in Michigan Schools

Using data captured through the 2011 Michigan Arts Education Survey, the Network will work with the state legislature and education community to ensure that every Michigan student in grades pre-K through 12 has equitable access to a high-quality, consistent, sequential, standards-based arts education.

Sustain Federal Funding for the Arts

Work in partnership with the Americans for the Arts Action Fund to retain and increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Arts in Education Programs, Institute for Museum and Library Services, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Amplify the Arts Voice in the 2012 Elections

The Network will be the voice for arts, culture and arts education during the 2012 elections. In addition to creating and participating in election-related events, the Network will educate nonprofit organizations -- including their board members, staff, and volunteers – on permissible election activities, inform arts advocates about the candidates who are running for statewide or district offices, share position statements and responses from our candidate surveys, and encourage arts advocates to get involved in the campaigns of their supported candidates.

Network of Advocate Voices

Over the next five years, the Network aims to assemble a list of 25,000 citizen advocates enabling the Network to provide a strong citizen voice for the sector as we seek to effect positive change for arts, culture and arts education in Michigan.