Spring 2024
- ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) — $20,000.00
Seeing the Southend: Photography of the Arab American Community by Tony Maine
Project Abstract: The Arab American National Museum (AANM) kindly requests $20,000 for a public-facing project about Dearborn’s seminal Southend neighborhood, which is home to multi generations of Arab Americans, and the headquarters of ACCESS, the country’s largest Arab American human service agency. Funds will support an exhibition and supplemental public programs featuring the work of photographer Tony Maine, which were taken during a period of community building and activism that changed the trajectory of the Southend. This placemaking project will lend visibility and insight into the depth and diversity of Michigan’s Arab American community and is particularly significant as AANM celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
- Bosnian American Cultural Center Behar — $8,500.00
Bosnian Folk Dance Workshop and Seminar
Project Abstract: During fall 2024, we are proposing to host a series of activities aimed at building the capacity of instructors, volunteers and leadership of Bosnian American Cultural Center Behar to understand and interpret traditional dances that originate from Bosnia-Herzegovina. We are proposing to host experts on Bosnian dance for a public seminar, instructor workshop, and consultations with our organization, as well as similar dance ensembles from around the country.
- Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians — $19,095.00
A Cloud Over The Land: The Hidden History of the Burt Lake Band
Project Abstract: “A Cloud Over the Land” unveils the Northern Michigan Burt Lake Band Ottawa and Chippewa history, bridging a vital connection between past and present. This initiative illuminates our identity and heritage with a recently published book at its core. For over a decade, Richard Wiles, a local author has partnered with us, writing a comprehensive narrative detailing the Burt Lake Burnout. This pivotal event, stemming from the 1836 Treaty of Washington, resulted in the tragic loss of tribal reservation land. Our commitment lies in preserving this meticulously researched account for posterity and sharing this obscured chapter of our tribe with the wider public—a narrative long overdue for acknowledgment.”
- Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology — $10,000.00
“Write Here/Write Now:” The 2024-2025 Antrim Writers Series
Project Abstract: This project brings four different Michigan writers to Antrim County, beginning the summer of 2024 through the spring of 2025. Each author will lead a reading and writing workshop for the community, and each author will create a written work about the Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) based on the season of the year they visit. An Antrim County artist will illustrate each piece of writing, and the writing and artwork will be used to create posters depicting our county’s natural beauty. This is a collaborative project between Crosshatch, the Bellaire and Elk Rapids Public Libraries, and the GRNA.
- Detroit Puppet Company — $20,000.00
We Rise Above: Partnership with the Detroit Library
Project Abstract: “We Rise Above: Partnership with Detroit Public Library” is a puppet show developed in collaboration with children’s librarians that explores stories from the lives of American heroes John Lewis, Mae Jemison and Amanda Gorman to illustrate how the power of words and images created change in the world, empowered others and increased equality for Black Americans. Using puppets that range from oversized pop-up books to hand puppets to Czech marionettes, this show is appropriate for ages 5+. The show will be presented at over 10 library branches and community venues in summer 2024 to an audience of over 2,000.
- Every Soul Arts — $18,000.00
Every Soul Arts: Creative Engagement for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Project Abstract: Every Soul Arts believes that housing and access to art and creativity are fundamental human rights. As such, this project will support inclusive creative engagement opportunities for young people with experience of homelessness or housing insecurity, including free creative arts workshops, the creation of a series of short films, and the formation of a youth advisory board that will help plan and deliver new creative programming for this population. By facilitating opportunities for creative expression and bringing attention to the issues facing this community, the project aims to celebrate the humanity in every soul and collectively imagine a world without youth homelessness.
- Herrick District Library — $18,700.00
Middle Read Lakeshore 2024
Project Abstract: The Herrick District Library will build upon the success of 2023’s Middle Read program, expanding in both size and scope. Over the course of two months, HDL will encourage middle school students and their families along the West Michigan lakeshore to share their stories through the reading and discussion of Pedro Martin’s Newbery Honor graphic novel, Mexikid. HDL will partner with schools, nonprofit organizations, and lakeshore libraries and will use Mexikid, in addition to Yuyi Morales’ Dreamers, to explore the themes of identity and self-discovery, cultural heritage and tradition, and the pursuit of dreams and belonging through community wide and school- based events.
- Long Haul Productions — $20,000.00
Working Michigan: Revisiting Studs Terkel’s Seminal Oral History Book “Working” Via Contemporary Interviews with Michigan Workers
Project Abstract: Inspired by this year’s 50th anniversary of Studs Terkel’s seminal oral history collection, “Working,” “Working Michigan” is a series of oral histories with Michiganders about, as “Working”’s subtile states, “What They Do All Day And How They Feel About What They Do.” Produced by Long Haul Productions’ award-winning audio producers and supported by a strong collaborative of oral historians, Michigan media and humanities organizations, “Working Michigan” will likely air on Michigan Public (formerly Michigan Radio), be distributed by podcast, and likely be included in state history publications. Interviews will be entered in the State Archives, offering listeners a glimpse into others’ lives, while preserving these histories for our future.
- Mighty Real/Queer Detroit — $20,000.00
I’ll be Your Mirror – Reflections of the Contemporary Queer
Project Abstract: Mighty Real / Queer Detroit (MR/QD) is requesting funds to implement a month-long programming series showcasing the trailblazing histories and vibrant cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ communities through the lens of current challenges and achievements. Through readings, performance, exhibitions, screenings, dialogues, and parties, our project seeks to bring together artists, educators, and community members to host dozens of programs across the Queer humanities to increase Queer visibility and representation. This project commits to collaborating with local, national and international institutional partners to leverage resources for diverse audiences beyond artists, curators, and allies.
- Museum of Ojibwa Culture — $13,000.00
Seven Grandfather Teachings
Project Abstract: The Seven Grandfather Teachings are among the most widely shared Indigenous principles because they are relatable and encompass the kind of morals that humanity can aspire to live by. They offer ways to enrich one’s life while existing in peace and harmony with all of creation and form the foundation of an Indigenous way of life. They offer ways to enrich one’s life while existing in peace and harmony with all of creation. This new proposed exhibit will greatly enhance our outdoor teaching exhibits and will be always available for viewing after hours and seasonally. The exhibit will provide a creative way to draw our guests attention to the desire to learn more about the Grandfather teachings and grow in cultural knowledge and sharing.
- Regents of the University of Michigan — $17,477.00
The Prison Creative Arts Project Writing Program
Project Abstract: The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) Writing Program strives to build a writerly community that transcends prison walls and acknowledges the value of disenfranchised voices. Through our creative writing workshops, literary review, and public programs we provide opportunities for incarcerated writers to grow their creative practice, develop their skills of self-editing, and make their voices heard by wider publics. In doing so, we draw critical attention to the human experience of incarceration. A Michigan Humanities Grant will support the cost of project supplies, writing workshops, Review publication costs, compensation for Review editorial staff, and speaker honoraria for public events.
- Regents of the University of Michigan — $20,000.00
Kelly Church & Cherish Parrish: In Our Words, An Intergenerational Dialogue
Project Abstract: Stamps Gallery will present an exhibition by renowned basket weavers, culture keepers, educators, and activists Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. We are requesting $20,000 to support 1) translations of interpretive texts and commissioned essays in Anishnaabemowin and 2) present a robust series of public convenings that highlight Michigan Anishinaabe stories of resilience and survivance from the past and present and elucidate the significance of sustaining black ash species and basketry in the present and future.
- The Vagrancy — $5,625.00
BLOSSOMING: Threads of Heritage
Project Abstract: BLOSSOMING focuses on supporting Michigan-based playwrights with diverse perspectives. This year we will commission a piece by Bryanna Lee called Threads of Heritage. Threads of Heritage will combine storytelling, song, movement, and multimedia elements to convey Lee’s journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection. The show will delve into her coming-of-age experience while grappling with the assimilation of her Filipino mother and the subsequent disconnection from her roots within the framework of her Catholic upbringing. Each performance will include a “talkback” between the broad Michigan audience and the artist. This open exchange will cultivate a deeper understanding of self and one’s connection to the community.
- Troy Historical Society — $12,000.00
Indigenous Voices
Project Abstract: The Troy Historical Society Indigenous Voices program will support and expand 5th grade student understanding of Indigenous lifeways and culture through field trips held at the Troy Historic Village. Field trips will feature sessions led by members of Michigan’s Indigenous communities, each covering a different aspect of Native American culture. Students will engage with the people, artifacts, and stories that are part of our often unseen, but vibrant Indigenous communities.
