Comments on: What’s the (Cultural) Plan?

By: Mary Morgan

Mary Morgan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:49:53 +0000

Karen is right. I would note that this report of the meeting isn’t a transcript – if anyone who attended this meeting (or one of the previous ones) wants to weigh in with additional comments on what happened, please do!

By: Karen Delhey

Karen Delhey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:50:52 +0000

There actually was mention of the Ann Arbor Film Festival at the meeting. I attended the meeting and used them as an example of how effective it can be to ask for help when it’s needed. Their successful campaign last year was a wonderful testament to how this community will rally around those in need.

By: mr dairy

mr dairy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:54:59 +0000

I’m puzzled that there was no mention of a week long Ann Arbor arts event with a rich 47 year history,national and international recognition and growing community support… the non-profit Ann Arbor Film Festival.

By: Edward Vielmetti

Edward Vielmetti — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:48:24 +0000

There's free space at the Ann Arbor District Library that can be reserved for community use; see link "The aadlfreespace meeting facility is available for free use by non-profit or for-profit groups four time slots per calendar year." There's a long list of venue spaces here, several or many of which might be suitable for a writers group: link

By: Mary Morgan

Mary Morgan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:36:59 +0000

Today's news about the financial struggles at Performance Network is another example of the issues that most, if not all, arts & cultural nonprofits are facing.

By: Newcombe Clark

Newcombe Clark — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:29:51 +0000

Thanks for the clarification of my Comments, Marsha. I in no way meant to imply a deficiency in the Art Center or its governance if the wake of the success of recent fiscally prudent decisions and the celebration of your historic anniversary. I meant to illustrate that even organizations perceived as untouchable, such as the Art Center and the Michigan Theater, are not immune to the reality of what’s happening in the local economy. Many worry that we will be surprised and regretful by just what we stand to lose in this economic downturn unless we are honest today about the potential pitfalls and fragility of all of the things we hold important and dear in this community, including our more beloved and venerated arts and cultural institutions. Sacrifices are inevitable. We just advocate that we’re honest with each other,ask for help when we need it, and that we put everything on the table under full disclosure so we can choose our own path to sustainability…least it be chosen for us.

By: Marsha Chamberlin

Marsha Chamberlin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:10:08 +0000

This article talks about the Ann Arbor Art Center as “not being out of the woods.” This leaves an incorrect impression of the state of affairs of the organization. We have been responsible and had some good luck. We sold a building and successfully consolidated programming into one facility. We have no debt and modest savings. Revenue and attendance projections are exceeding expectations. As we celebrate 100 years as a community art center, it important for the community and our supporters to know that we are managing this asset well.

By: Scot G

Scot G — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:49:03 +0000

It is great to read the thoughtful communication on this important issue. I echo the comments of Newcombe, we need to be open and honest about the struggle to survive. I am looking forward to the thoughts from the “out-county” communities as they hold their forums.