Comments on: Fame, fortune, and funding for Michigan arts http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/fame-fortune-and-funding-for-michigan-arts/ Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:31:23 +0000 hourly 1 By: Gary Anderson http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/fame-fortune-and-funding-for-michigan-arts/comment-page-1/#comment-1173 Gary Anderson Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:18:56 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=1139#comment-1173 Why is every thought on funding the arts in this state always structured around trying to find someone OTHER than the citizens of Michigan paying for them? This idea would cap art support and not hold up against inflation. Moreover it reduces the need for the accountability of arts organizations when the average citizen is not funding it themselves. We have 5 wonderful lakes, numerous parks, police forces, prisons, and fire departments that are funded by the taxed resources of Michigan citizens. Our natural resources are used to attract new residents and businesses to the state. Our arts and cultural organizations are resources that can attract those same things but they need to supported and promoted as well as we tell others about Michigan fishing and boating. If we see the worth in attracting highly skilled individuals,then we might want to find a way we can sustain our art and cultural offerings with a growing fund, not one that could be limited. Why is every thought on funding the arts in this state always structured around trying to find someone OTHER than the citizens of Michigan paying for them? This idea would cap art support and not hold up against inflation. Moreover it reduces the need for the accountability of arts organizations when the average citizen is not funding it themselves.

We have 5 wonderful lakes, numerous parks, police forces, prisons, and fire departments that are funded by the taxed resources of Michigan citizens. Our natural resources are used to attract new residents and businesses to the state. Our arts and cultural organizations are resources that can attract those same things but they need to supported and promoted as well as we tell others about Michigan fishing and boating. If we see the worth in attracting highly skilled individuals,then we might want to find a way we can sustain our art and cultural offerings with a growing fund, not one that could be limited.

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