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Creative Economy Advocacy Reaps Rewards
The state of Michigan has been at the epicenter of domestic economic policy since the Great Recession. Long a symbol of American exceptionalism in industry and manufacturing, the state is still working to regain its footing as a leader in American production and economic stimulation.  ArtServe Michigan is leading the charge to prove that the Great Lakes State still has what it takes to create jobs, bolster the economy, and provide an unparalleled quality of life for its residents.

The Project: Creative State Michigan
Thanks to ArtServe's prevalence in Michigan communities, advocates and business leaders have known for quite some time that well-funded artistic and cultural projects have a tremendous impact on investment for businesses, the state's economy, and its citizens. However, there had never been an in-depth, qualitative analysis that could demonstrate the impact of arts and culture on the economy growth until ArtServe recently rolled out Creative State Michigan.

This creative economy study details how even minimal investments into arts and cultural initiatives can strengthen communities and contribute to economic growth which benefits scores of businesses, schools and citizens in the state. Armed with such a tool, arts advocates and business leaders are in an excellent position to make compelling cases to lawmakers regarding how proper arts funding is a net gain for everyone.

Some highlights of this groundbreaking project include:

• In FY 2009, the state of Michigan invested $9.8 million in the 211 organizations that comprise the study. In return, those organizations generated $462 million in expenditures and $522 million in revenue.
• For every $1 invested by the state, arts and cultural nonprofits contributed $51 to the state economy.
• From 2006 to 20010, arts-related jobs increased by 4 percent and arts-related businesses grew by 43 percent.
• In 2010, arts and culture groups were responsible for 17 percent of the money spent in the state’s $12.6 billion tourism industry. 

The Result
The 2010 elections brought about a large shift in both Michigan’s executive branch and the legislature.  The subsequent political discourse in the state—and many others throughout the nation—evoked many debates about what constitutes a "core service of government." Naturally, many factions were quick to assail the arts as a sector undeserving of sustained public support.  But thanks to the economic development advocacy for which ArtServe has become well known, a funding cut to the State Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs was averted.

In 2012, shortly after the release of Creative State Michigan and a barrage of targeted advocacy relating to the research, Republican Governor Rick Snyder proposed nearly quadrupling the state's investment to the council from $1.4 million to $5 million for a total appropriation of $6.15 million! ArtServe’s advocacy has made the impact of a strong creative economy trenchant in the minds of both Michigan's administration and legislature. Their responses to this advocacy and research are elevating the state to once again become an American leader in productivity and growth while definitively showcasing how the arts can rebuild and revitalize downtrodden areas of our nation.