The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
ARTS
If a painter sat perched in front of a blank canvas overlooking the region five years ago, the landscape would have been somewhat less colorful, less rich and with fewer opportunities for that artist to share her vision and work with the community in which she lives.
Story by Sue Collins
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2008
Now, dotting our towns are galleries supporting hardworking local artists; new art councils providing networking; art centers offering classes, camps and community outreach and city governments that are willing to fund public art.
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Volunteers have been busy crafting grant applications and filling summer streets with art fairs, administrators have been knocking on donors' doors and constructing businesses, and communities have been opening their arms wide to the flock of talented artists among them.
Countywide studies, statewide initiatives and local efforts are celebrating the vibrant business of the visual arts that's rounding out economic development and capital improvements that together make communities flourish.
An Economic Impact Study conducted by the Ann Arbor Arts Alliance throughout Washtenaw County five years ago found that the total economic impact of not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations in Washtenaw County was $165 million in the study year, and that such organizations provided 2,600 jobs.
Nearly 2.4 million people enjoyed various cultural activities in 2002, with visitors from outside the county saying the event was their primary reason for visiting the county.
The Arts Alliance is continuing to take the pulse of the region's art growth and needs with its Community and Culture Study. Focus groups in Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester and Saline are providing brainstorming and problem-solving opportunities under the alliance's guiding hand. These communities, along with Milan and Ypsilanti, are already embracing the talent and creativity in their midst while recognizing the impact, importance and economic viability of thriving arts programs.
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