DETROIT FREE PRESS: ARTS ADVOCATES DECRY PROPOSED CUTS IN GRANHOLM BUDGET

“The worst fears of the arts community were realized Thursday when Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposed budget eliminated operational arts funding. The state arts council granted $7.9 million to 290 groups in 2009.
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With the recession already leading to millions in lost corporate and private donations, rising deficits, shrinking endowments, layoffs and artistic cuts, arts groups saw state support as especially important. Arts leaders said the cuts would lead to further job losses.

“No governor has ever done more damage to arts and culture and our creative future in Michigan,” said Mike Latvis, director of public policy for ArtServe Michigan, an advocacy group.” Read More.