The arts and cultural scene in our community is recognized as one of its most valuable assets - enriching not only the quality of life in our region, but also serving as a catalyst for economic development and future investment - and as an essential component of quality education.

The Ann Arbor Art Center, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Michigan Theatre, Performance Network Theatre, the Ann Arbor Symphony, Wild Swan Theater, the Ark,  Riverside Art Center in Ypsilanti, the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea and high school music programs that have earned National Grammy Awards are among the many community organizations and programs that provide a rich cultural experience in our area.

Research has long supported the idea that a vibrant arts and cultural sector is an integral part to promoting economic renewal. Keeping our region an attractive and creative place in which to live and work inspires young people to stay, families to raise children here, and companies to invest here.

Yet the arts sector has been especially hard hit with the recent economic downturn.  Dramatic decreases in corporate sponsorships and private and public funding, coupled with decreased ticket sales have meant that local arts organizations are struggling to raise community support and find sustainable sources of revenue. 

As one of the only local funders for the local arts sector, the Community Foundation is investing meaningful grant dollars to ensure the long-term sustainability of valued community resources.

In the late 1990's, the Community Foundation established a dedicated Arts Field of Interest Fund.

As part of the Pfizer Foundation's $1 million legacy gift, AAACF awarded a $200,000 grant to The Arts Alliance to help strengthen and expand its capacity to implement the Washtenaw Cultural Plan.  AAACF's grant is intended to strengthen the Arts Alliance's organizational structure - to ensure it has the capacity to implement the Washtenaw Cultural Plan to promote the arts and culture as an important component in children's education and in revitalizing our local economy.

The Arts Alliance serves the cultural community in the An Arbor region, and works to create an environment where culture and creativity can flourish - to ensure the arts are accessible to all.  To learn more about the Arts Alliance.

In 2009 and 2010, AAACF awarded more than $73,00 in grants to support the long-term sustainability of local arts organizations:

• Ann Arbor Art Center                                                   $ 9,500
  Marketing for our Second Century
• Performance Network of Ann Arbor                             $18,700
  2,010 in 2010:  Season Subscription Campaign
• Ann Arbor Summer Festival
  Pilot Volunteer Program to raise community support         $ 5,000
  General Operating Support                                              $ 2,000
• Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
  Sustaining Family Concert Series for 2009-10 Season       $20,000
• Arts Alliance
  Sponsorship Support for the Creative Conversations Event    $ 250
  Annual Membership Fee                                                     $ 350
• Riverside Arts Center
  Operations and Debt Retirement                                       $ 1,000
• University Musical Society
  Operating Support                                                            $1,000
• Wild Swan Theater
  Bridge Funding/General Operating Support                      $16,276