Birmingham-Area Arts Groups Receive $25,000 in State Grants

Times have been tough for the arts. However, three local arts institutions consider themselves lucky after receiving 2011 grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).

The (BBSO), and the (BBAC) received grants from the state cultural office, which works to encourage, develop and facilitate artistic, creative and cultural activity in Michigan.

The Michigan council approved grants for 220 organizations in 41 counties in January. The grants are for operational funds and will be spent as needed by each institution.

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra and Community House each received $7,500, while the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center received $10,000.

Addie Langford, president of the art center, said everyone is is lucky to receive grant funding this year, what with Michigan’s projected $1.8 billion budget deficit.

Julia Kurtyka, administrator coordinator for the BBSO, said the orchestra has received several MCACA awards in the past. This year’s grant is smaller than in previous years, “But we feel very fortunate to receive even this amount,” she said.

Shelley Roberts, outgoing president of the Community House, said nonprofit organizations across the state—artistic and otherwise—have to search for alternate sources for funds.

“Corporate sponsorships (for nonprofits)—from the Big Three (automakers) to banks—will never be the same,” said Roberts, who plans to dedicate new funding to strengthening the Community House's roster of 800 classes and events, such as last year’s .

For the BBSO, this means putting any grant money it receives towards paying bills and meeting payroll, its biggest expense, Kurtyka said. “Like all orchestras, we’re struggling,” she said. “Everyone is down this year.”

Langford, who has been president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center for seven months, said the money will be spent to strengthen the center's exhibits.  She said the BBAC is close to rolling out a new strategic plan that will include fresh ideas for marketing and development.

“We have our challenges,” she said. “But we’re really moving forward as well.”

The art center is close to launching their own fundraising arm, Langford said—the Friends of the BBAC. The center is also excited about the , to be held April 1-May 6 at the BBAC, and about extending its outreach program throughout Metro Detroit.