Arts & Industry Council Brochure

Arts & Industry Council PO Box 1079 Battle Creek, MI 49016 Phone: 269.441.2700 To find art in Calhoun County, visit the region’s first-ever arts directory and calendar at:

Whereisar .com

Advancing the Arts in Calhoun County

Art is everywhere.

In our homes. Our work places.

Movie theaters. Car washes.

Dental offices.

Art can be hard to recognize.

Mostly because of our perception of him. We see him as a painting. A poem.

A performed concerto.

Art is so much more.

He is a car. A computer.

A can opener. He’s functional.

Art serves a purpose.

Art is the product of creative expression and problem solving.

We need Art. And Art needs us.

The vitality of a community is often gauged on its commitment to the Arts. Culture is every bit as important as commerce. In fact, the two are intimately connected in creating a community that is more lively and enriching. This is a large part of our philosophy at the Arts Industry Council.

The Arts & Industry Council (AIC), formerly the United Arts Council of Calhoun County, is Michigan’s oldest incorporated non-profit arts council. We provide marketing and technical services, professional development programs, and grants to more than 60 arts and cultural organizations and hundreds of Michigan artists.

Planning for a brighter future The AIC has addressed the changing needs of our local arts community for over 43 years. In 2004, we developed a strategic plan that places emphasis on creative industries and cultural economic development. We have contracted with Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), the region’s premier economic development agency, for staffing and management services. Through this formal partnership, we now provide the arts community access to tools and services necessary to create jobs, grow the arts, enhance quality-of-life, and generate community wealth.

Advancing the Arts in Calhoun County

Art is everywhere.

In our homes. Our work places.

Movie theaters. Car washes.

Dental offices.

Art can be hard to recognize.

Mostly because of our perception of him. We see him as a painting. A poem.

A performed concerto.

Art is so much more.

He is a car. A computer.

A can opener. He’s functional.

Art serves a purpose.

Art is the product of creative expression and problem solving.

We need Art. And Art needs us.

The vitality of a community is often gauged on its commitment to the Arts. Culture is every bit as important as commerce. In fact, the two are intimately connected in creating a community that is more lively and enriching. This is a large part of our philosophy at the Arts Industry Council.

The Arts & Industry Council (AIC), formerly the United Arts Council of Calhoun County, is Michigan’s oldest incorporated non-profit arts council. We provide marketing and technical services, professional development programs, and grants to more than 60 arts and cultural organizations and hundreds of Michigan artists.

Planning for a brighter future The AIC has addressed the changing needs of our local arts community for over 43 years. In 2004, we developed a strategic plan that places emphasis on creative industries and cultural economic development. We have contracted with Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), the region’s premier economic development agency, for staffing and management services. Through this formal partnership, we now provide the arts community access to tools and services necessary to create jobs, grow the arts, enhance quality-of-life, and generate community wealth.

Public Art Program The AIC views public art as integral to the region. It can create livable cities, strengthen economic development and promote tourism. In 2006, the AIC launched Calhoun

“The United States’ ability to compete

County’s Public Art Program with a community-based murals project. The program hosts

in the global economy depends on the

outstanding public art works from murals to sculpture to landscape architecture.

talents of our worker, the innovation of

“Solving complex

our entrepreneurs, and the investments

problems and creating

Program policies are set and implemented by the Calhoun

we make to build a high-skill economy

fresh opportunities for

County Public Art Commission. This thirteen-member

of the future…. State and local economic

growth in a changing

board includes local artists and business professionals.

development efforts should foster

world begins with

All Commission members are appointed and approved by

creativity, productivity, and inclusion.” 2

creative thinking.

the AIC Board. Funding for this program is made possible

It’s [our] only real

through generous contributions from our local foundations,

competitive advantage.” 1

business sponsors and other community donors.

C reative Industries Incubation Network Creative industry incubators provide affordable space, technical support, and business development services to emerging artists and arts-related businesses. Calhoun County is fortunate to already have a number of creative industries incubators in place. In order to facilitate cooperation and communication between the existing incubators, the AIC has developed a countywide Creative Industry Incubator Association. In order to facilitate the growth of creative industries, the AIC provides financial and marketing support, business development assistance to individual artists and arts businesses, purchasing discounts, workshops, and other support services as required/requested.

Public Art Program The AIC views public art as integral to the region. It can create livable cities, strengthen economic development and promote tourism. In 2006, the AIC launched Calhoun

“The United States’ ability to compete

County’s Public Art Program with a community-based murals project. The program hosts

in the global economy depends on the

outstanding public art works from murals to sculpture to landscape architecture.

talents of our worker, the innovation of

“Solving complex

our entrepreneurs, and the investments

problems and creating

Program policies are set and implemented by the Calhoun

we make to build a high-skill economy

fresh opportunities for

County Public Art Commission. This thirteen-member

of the future…. State and local economic

growth in a changing

board includes local artists and business professionals.

development efforts should foster

world begins with

All Commission members are appointed and approved by

creativity, productivity, and inclusion.” 2

creative thinking.

the AIC Board. Funding for this program is made possible

It’s [our] only real

through generous contributions from our local foundations,

competitive advantage.” 1

business sponsors and other community donors.

C reative Industries Incubation Network Creative industry incubators provide affordable space, technical support, and business development services to emerging artists and arts-related businesses. Calhoun County is fortunate to already have a number of creative industries incubators in place. In order to facilitate cooperation and communication between the existing incubators, the AIC has developed a countywide Creative Industry Incubator Association. In order to facilitate the growth of creative industries, the AIC provides financial and marketing support, business development assistance to individual artists and arts businesses, purchasing discounts, workshops, and other support services as required/requested.

Regional Arts Marketing Campaign: Where is Art? The AIC launched a countywide arts marketing campaign in November 2006, including direct mail, print ads, and billboards, to heighten public awareness of the impact of regional arts and creative industries on quality of life and economic development.

Facilitating Arts Networks The AIC serves as a facilitator within the regional arts community. We help

In order to promote the region’s robust arts and cultural community, the AIC has also launched the following of significant regional arts marketing efforts:

to combine resources and cross-promote regional assets. The AIC hosts quarterly roundtables for artists and interest groups throughout the

www.WhereIsArt.com

Greater Calhoun County area These sessions include business

The AIC’s new website www.WhereIsArt.com, houses the region’s first online Events

updates and networking opportunities.

Calendar, as well as an Arts Directory, and a Creative Classifieds section. The website is a one-stop source of information for arts enthusiasts and dabblers alike.

E-Newsletter Anyone who is interested in receiving a free weekly update on what’s happening in the region may subscribe to the AIC e-newsletter at www.WhereIsArt.com. Member artists and arts businesses may also promote their products, events, and services through this service.

Grantmaking The Arts & Industry Council provides grant funding to arts and cultural organizations across Calhoun, Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Jackson Counties. Through these grant programs, the AIC is able to support a variety of organizations and creative endeavors that enhance cultural vibrancy and diversity in the region.

“Students with high arts involvements performed better on standardized achievements test than student with low arts involvement. Moreover, the high arts-involved students also watched fewer hours of TV, participated in more community service and reported less boredom in school.” 3

Advocacy The AIC offers information to citizens, community leaders, and elected officials regarding the impact of arts on business, on our neighborhoods, on individuals, and on our quality of life. The AIC has developed an audience economic impact survey, which is now being distributed at regional arts events and festivals. The findings are summarized and published by the AIC.

How can you support the arts?

Your contribution to the AIC will help to grow the arts, enhance cultural tourism, create new jobs, add creative industries, and make the Greater Calhoun County Area an even better place to live and work. The AIC traditionally runs an annual campaign from March through May. However, the programs and services offered through the AIC require ongoing support throughout the year. If you are one of the 92.3% of people in Calhoun County who feel strongly that arts are important to your quality of life, please consider giving today.

1 Bassadur Applied Creativity, 2007 2 2007 Development Report Card for the States Corporation for Enterprise Development 3 Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, 2006 Sandra S. Rupert, National Assembly of State Art Agencies

Regional Arts Marketing Campaign: Where is Art? The AIC launched a countywide arts marketing campaign in November 2006, including direct mail, print ads, and billboards, to heighten public awareness of the impact of regional arts and creative industries on quality of life and economic development.

Facilitating Arts Networks The AIC serves as a facilitator within the regional arts community. We help

In order to promote the region’s robust arts and cultural community, the AIC has also launched the following of significant regional arts marketing efforts:

to combine resources and cross-promote regional assets. The AIC hosts quarterly roundtables for artists and interest groups throughout the

www.WhereIsArt.com

Greater Calhoun County area These sessions include business

The AIC’s new website www.WhereIsArt.com, houses the region’s first online Events

updates and networking opportunities.

Calendar, as well as an Arts Directory, and a Creative Classifieds section. The website is a one-stop source of information for arts enthusiasts and dabblers alike.

E-Newsletter Anyone who is interested in receiving a free weekly update on what’s happening in the region may subscribe to the AIC e-newsletter at www.WhereIsArt.com. Member artists and arts businesses may also promote their products, events, and services through this service.

Grantmaking The Arts & Industry Council provides grant funding to arts and cultural organizations across Calhoun, Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Jackson Counties. Through these grant programs, the AIC is able to support a variety of organizations and creative endeavors that enhance cultural vibrancy and diversity in the region.

“Students with high arts involvements performed better on standardized achievements test than student with low arts involvement. Moreover, the high arts-involved students also watched fewer hours of TV, participated in more community service and reported less boredom in school.” 3

Advocacy The AIC offers information to citizens, community leaders, and elected officials regarding the impact of arts on business, on our neighborhoods, on individuals, and on our quality of life. The AIC has developed an audience economic impact survey, which is now being distributed at regional arts events and festivals. The findings are summarized and published by the AIC.

How can you support the arts?

Your contribution to the AIC will help to grow the arts, enhance cultural tourism, create new jobs, add creative industries, and make the Greater Calhoun County Area an even better place to live and work. The AIC traditionally runs an annual campaign from March through May. However, the programs and services offered through the AIC require ongoing support throughout the year. If you are one of the 92.3% of people in Calhoun County who feel strongly that arts are important to your quality of life, please consider giving today.

1 Bassadur Applied Creativity, 2007 2 2007 Development Report Card for the States Corporation for Enterprise Development 3 Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, 2006 Sandra S. Rupert, National Assembly of State Art Agencies

Arts & Industry Council PO Box 1079 Battle Creek, MI 49016 Phone: 269.441.2700 To find art in Calhoun County, visit the region’s first-ever arts directory and calendar at:

Whereisar .com