The Michigan Arts and Culture Council is a state agency that distributes grants to creative and cultural projects. 

While the core components of the MACC include economic development, education, and engagement, the group also forms strategies on funding, leadership, resources, outreach and research. The MACC answers to The Michigan Economic  Development Corporation.  

Recently, the MACC cut three positions from its staff. According to Nafeesah Symonette, vice-chair of the MACC board, board members were not notified of any proposed staffing cuts. 

As the grant proposal application opened, the seven person team was reduced by three staffers. Four team members remain. Symonette says 17 people from neighboring states have volunteered to help read and process proposals for the 2027 fiscal year.

The MACC currently distributes $11 million in funding through grants.

Symonette, who is also executive director for Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts, is a leader of the Detroit Partnership for Arts Education.  She says the cuts will directly impact the MACC’s ability to process and distribute grants. We may also see smaller, grass roots and rural organizations shuttering due to the cuts.

She joins The Metro to discuss what happens behind the scenes and the waning interest of arts and culture in Lansing.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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