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.

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.

In 2011, Community Foundation funds distributed more than $220,000 to support local arts organizations and programmming - including:

• Ann Arbor Civic Theater
  
• Ann Arbor Art in Public Places
  
• Ann Arbor Film Festival
  
• Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts
  
• Ann Arbor Summer Festival
  
• Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
  
• The Ark
  
• Community High School Jazz Ensemble
  
• Copper Colored Mountain Arts
  
• One Pause Poetry
  
• Fly Children’s Art Center
  
• Michigan Theater Foundation
  
• Performance Network of Ann Arbor
  
• The Potters Guild
  
• Skyline High School
  
• Composer Workshop
  
• University Musical Society
  
• Wild Swan Theater
  
• Young People’s Theater
  
• Ypsilanti Community Choir
  
• Ypsilanti Riverside Arts Center