Announcing Grant Support from MCACA, NEA – 2013

The Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA) has been awarded grants in recognition for quality arts programming in 2013 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).

“MICA volunteers have worked hard for decades to foster community development through the arts,” said Terry Terry, MICA co-founder and board president. “We’re excited to be recognized, and we’re grateful to these fantastic organizations for their support, which is essential to continuing our work.”

“I attend the JazzFest as often as I can. It is a very important part of the culture and quality of life that Lansing and all mid-Michigan residents love,” said state Rep. Andy Schor (D – Lansing). “I am thrilled that they received this grant, which will only make this wonderful event even better for our residents. Placemaking is a key element to attracting and retaining residents and businesses here in Lansing, and MICA has played a catalytic role in Lansing and mid-Michigan’s placemaking!”

In this FY 2013 funding round, the NEA received 393 eligible Challenge America Fast-Track applications, requesting a total of $3.93 million. The NEA is awarding 153 Challenge America Fast-Track grants totaling $1.53 million to organization in 41 states, Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands. This category offers support to projects that extend the reach of the arts to populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. This is the third year MICA has received this grant.

The MCACA grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 233 applications to compete for MCACA funding this year. Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars.

“We’re also thankful for support from sponsors like Jackson National Life and West Side Beer Distributing,” continued Terry.

MICA also receives significant volunteer support from the community.

“The NEA was founded on the principle that the arts belong to all the people of the United States,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman.” We’re proud that Challenge America Fast-Track grants bring more opportunities for arts engagement to underserved communities.”