ArtServe Michigan

ArtServe Michigan is the statewide nonprofit organization leading advocacy for the arts, culture and arts education, and the transformative power of the creative industries in Michigan.  Our mission is to cultivate the creative potential of Michigan’s arts and cultural sector to enhance the health and well-being of Michigan, its people and communities.

Our Beliefs

The role of arts and culture is a vital ingredient to Michigan’s identity as a center of innovation and ingenuity and to the state’s economic resilience.

Artists and creative entrepreneurs are a powerful force bringing creativity to and sparking advancement in our cities and neighborhoods.

Arts education shapes young minds as the leaders and talent of tomorrow with the resources to compete and overcome challenges of the future in our increasingly globally-connected world.

“Arts and culture are essential ingredients to building vibrant communities and a resilient Michigan economy, shaping creative and innovative young minds, and transforming the lives of people of all ages.”
- Jennifer H. Goulet, President and CEO, ArtServe Michigan

Our History and Affiliations

ArtServe Michigan grew from the vision of arts and cultural leaders statewide who recognized the value of a single nonprofit organization with the credibility, capacity and conviction to support, strengthen and build awareness for the arts and culture in Michigan.

ArtServe today reflects the commitments and solid foundations created by the Arts Foundation of Michigan, Business Volunteers for the Arts, Concerned Citizens for the Arts in Michigan, and the Michigan Alliance for Arts Education – which merged 32 years of collective experience in 1997 to form   ArtServe Michigan. In 2006, ArtServe Michigan united with the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies amplifying a cohesive voice on behalf of the state’s creative community.

ArtServe is the designated Michigan representative to the Americans for the Arts State Arts Advocacy Network and the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.  Crain’s Detroit Business recognized ArtServe as a Best Managed Nonprofit award finalist in 2009 and 2010.

Our Priorities

• The Voice for the Arts in Michigan:  Leading research, grassroots organizing, coalition-building and government relations to advance policies and sustainable public/private funding supporting the arts, culture, arts education and the creative industries in Michigan.
• Supporting Artists, Creatives and Arts and Cultural Organizations: Connecting artists, creatives and arts and cultural organizations with resources and experiences that make them more effective, informed and engaged.
• Making the Case: Positioning arts, culture and arts education as essential to individual and public well-being and the economic resilience of Michigan through data, research and strategic communications.

Visit www.ArtServeMichigan.org to learn more and get involved.