Title
Resolution urging MCACA Art Grants Funding Maintenance in FY10
Body
Whereas, The Washtenaw County nonprofit arts and cultural sector represents a $165 million industry, much of this based in Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Approximately 2,600 jobs are directly tied to Washtenaw County's nonprofit arts sector;
Whereas, These jobs generate approximately $57 million in household income;
Whereas, Arts and culture are integral to Ann Arbor’s outstanding quality of life;
Whereas, Ann Arbor's cultural assets significantly contribute to attraction and retention of top talent and businesses to the region making a lasting and far reaching impact on the Michigan economy;
Whereas, Ann Arbor's arts and culture are a major reason tourists visit Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Theater performances, movies, concerts, exhibitions and other arts activities attract thousands of patrons who frequent Ann Arbor's downtown restaurants, shops and parking facilities during their arts experience;
Whereas, The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), a state agency, made grants totaling $518,000 to Ann Arbor-based arts organizations in FY09;
Whereas, The loss of these funds would have a debilitating effect on the vitality of Ann Arbor's downtown area;
Whereas, The elimination of these funds would jeopardize the health and well-being of all Ann Arbor arts organizations;
Whereas, The elimination of these funds would inhibit the state's ability to capture some of the $50 million designated for the National Endowment for the Arts in the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; and
Whereas, The elimination of these funds would redress less than one-half of one percent of the state's budget deficit;
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council strongly urges Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan State Legislature to maintain the MCACA arts grants FY09 funding level of $6.1 million in FY10.
To be sent to Governor Granholm, Senator Brater and Representative’s Byrnes and Wa...
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