The launch of ArtPrize, west Michigan’s brand new interactive arts competition, was, by all accounts, a huge success last weekend.
Already, stories are brewing about the spin-off business from the arts infusion in more than 150 venues across Grand Rapids.
So, given the wild success of the new arts economy in Grand Rapids, it might seem short-sighted or downright silly for the Legislature this week to slash the state funding for arts and culture by 71 percent, but that’s exactly what has happened.
Public funding for the arts was $50 million a generation ago. Last year it was down below $8 million. Next year, it’s less than $3 million. That’s a pittance of an investment in the kind of creative economy young professionals and entrepreneurs say they want when picking locations for their businesses and careers.
So, congratulations Grand Rapids.
And for those of you looking on ArtPrize with jealous green eyes, consider making the question of public arts funding a campaign issue when those candidates come knocking next year.
3 Comments
Thank you John for such a wonderful article highlighting this week’s shortsighted decision to annihilate the state arts budget. How ironic that this would take place at the same time Michigan is receiving international attention for ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
I think you missed the point. Artprize wasn’t funded by the State. Artprize was funded by private citizens that care about Michigan and about art. The best way to kill creativity is to have it controlled by a bureaucracy.
Artprize is the Xprize for artists; this is a model that works. Let’s see more of it.
Patrick Mohney
Thank you John for bringing attention to this matter. Although government should not fully control creative endeavor, it behooves them to support it. Creative endeavor is what ultimately will position this state and country to compete globally, especially the arts education and encouragement for our youth!