Arts and Culture Program

In response to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had within our community, our Arts and Culture Program (previously Cultural Economic Development) has adjusted its focus to relief and recovery efforts.

The Arts and Culture Program is a strategic initiative that seeks to promote economic prosperity for our region by investing in and strengthening arts & culture nonprofits in Washtenaw County. Read more about the philosophy and approach in the "In the Neighborhood" blog.

Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Study

Conducted in partnership with Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and The Arts Alliance, this study found that nonprofit arts & culture activities and events annually generate $100 million in economic impact for the Greater Ann Arbor Area.

The study also found that, on average, an arts & culture participant spends $27.67 in our local economy—or nearly $50 million total—above and beyond the price of attending the event.

The study validates that arts & culture organizations play a vital role in the economic health of our local community, and that promoting the sector's growth means greater economic impact.

Arts and Culture Program Strategy

Recognizing both the cultural and economic importance of the arts to our community, AAACF designed a two-part strategy to expand community support for our creative sector: