Title
Resolution to Approve an Application for Funds from the Arts Alliance
Memorandum
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs provides funds to local arts and cultural institutions to re-grant mini-grants to non-profit organizations in the community to promote arts and cultural events. The MCACA has provided funds to the Arts Alliance to re-grant to organizations in Washtenaw and Livingston County.
AAHC is concurrently renovating Miller Manor, a 106-unit apartment overlooking West Park. Miller Manor currently has an art room on the 5th floor that was previously an apartment. The art room has been managed for over 20 years by our unofficial artist-in-residence, Jane French. The art room will be moved to a new location on the ground floor to make it more accessible to residents.
The AAHC has provided most of the art supplies for tenants in the past as part of its resident services. Jane French has been guiding and teaching art to her neighbors as therapy to reduce stress and increase enjoyment of life. Ms. French has lent her artistry and vision to decorating the property with murals and other visual art throughout the years. Residents can use their art to decorate their own apartments or display them in the community spaces at Miller Manor. The AAHC is seeking resources to purchase a wide variety of supplies to allow our residents to work together and decorate their new space. This will help make the property an attractive place for its residents and a valued addition to the surrounding community.
The Arts Alliance requires board approval for grant applications. AAHC staff are requesting approval from the AAHC board to apply for up to $4,000 for art supplies, which requires a 50/50 match. Matching funds can be paid from the resident services line item in the operating budget for Maple Tower.
Staff
Prepared and Approved by Jennifer Hall, Executive Director
Body
WHEREAS the AAHC has provided an art room for tenants at Miller Manor for over 20 years, staffed by Jane French to provide art therapy and reduce stress for tenants;
WHEREAS the Arts Alliance has issued a Request for Proposals for mini-grants to local non-profits to provide arts and cultural experiences in the community;
WHEREAS the mini-grants require a 50/50 match;
RESOLVED, that the Ann Arbor Housing Commission Board approves an application for up to $4,000 to the Arts Alliance for art supplies for residents at Miller Manor for art therapy and community beautification.