About MCACA

Since 1966 with the creation of the Michigan Council for the Arts, the State of Michigan has recognized the value and importance of a vibrant arts and cultural sector.  On August 28, 1991 the Governor by Executive Order created The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (the Council) to maintain and nurture its cultural and artistic riches.  Today, the Council reaffirms and believes in our enabling doctrine:

• Arts and culture enrich our lives and are vital to the well-being of our society.
• Arts and culture bring important benefits to Michigan’s economy, to our efforts to attract business to this state and to our tourism industry.
• Arts education is a critical part of the education of our youth in that it opens new worlds to them, encourages creativity and presents opportunities for careers.

Vision

The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state’s cultural treasures and arts and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens. 

Mission

From our historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary arts, the Council is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture.

Beliefs

The Council believes that government has a responsibility to ensure public access to arts and culture throughout the state and because of that belief:

• The benefit of the Council’s activity is public, belonging to every citizen as we champion arts and cultural organizations, initiatives and artists in our state.
• Council programs will be rooted in equity, access and inclusion, because all should have the opportunity to engage in programming and feel welcomed.
• The work of the Council will be transparent, fair and ethical.

While arts and culture are woven throughout all aspects of life, the Council will focus its primary efforts on three core activities:

1. Civic Engagement
2. Economic Development
3. Education

Within each activity there are five strategic action areas which unify and advance the work of the Council while best representing the field:

1. Funding
2. Leadership
3. Messaging
4. Building Bridges
5. Research

Find MCACA's complete 2020 - 2022 Strategic Plan here.