Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan Works to Elevate Stories of Arts & Culture in Fresh Coast State
Did you know that in Michigan, the arts and cultural sector represents 2.9% of the State’s GDP, contributed $15.3 billion to the state’s economy in 2019 and creates 122,288 jobs for Michiganders? These are facts (provided by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis), they illustrate why arts and culture matters, and represent a much bigger story about the influence that the sector has on the daily lives of people in the Fresh Coast State. And to ensure that this message and the projects in Michigan are shared widely, the leading statewide associations and organization formed the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (CAN) to bring a collective voice for cultural organizations and the industry it creates.
And while this statewide advocacy association focuses on education efforts to influence decision making at the highest levels of state and local government, they have forged a partnership with FreshCoastPerspective.com to elevate the stories of the people that make the arts and cultural industry in Michigan so vibrant.
Following the launch of this digital storytelling platform in the spring of 2021, the Cultural Advocacy Network took a leadership role to elevate stories that represent a wide array of mediums and topics impacting and inspiring the lives of Michiganders. “A strategic pillar in CAN’s advocacy efforts exist in the storytelling of artists, creatives, historians, administrators, librarians and others in the cultural industry,” said Debbie Mikula, CAN Board Member and Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association. “Through our creative partnership with Fresh Coast Perspective, we are able to ensure that intentional stories on the innovation and creativity across our state is shared widely.”
The partnership includes the publishing of hundreds of written stories, over a dozen recorded podcasts and a strategic digital marketing campaign to engage and enlighten Michigan residents about the important role that arts and culture plays in the quality of life for everyday people. Funded through a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, CAN is able to cultivate and support a statewide presence for storytelling. The initiative so far has reached over 250,000 Michigan residents and engaged with over 20,000 readers.
“So while we continue to tell the inspiring stories of arts and culture happening in our state, we know that the integral role that this sector plays on society will be recognized, and that the celebration of Michigan’s cultural economy will impact policy in Michigan,” said Josh Holliday, Founder & Editor of FreshCoastPerspective.com
So if you have a story to tell, share it with us by emailing a press release or article to Hello@FreshCoastPerspective.com.
FreshCoastPersective.com is made possible through the generous support of the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
