MI Creative Potential
@creativepotential.bsky.social
A collective impact initiative that advances equitable access to quality arts education in Michigan through data collection, implimentation of resources, strategic partnerships, and a statewide arts education action agenda.
Final Workshop Reminder! Michigan educators — don’t miss the final Section 33 Visual Arts & Music Grant workshop! The October 28 (4 p.m.) session will walk through the application process, offer tips, and answer your questions. Register & learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
October 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Final Workshop Reminder! Michigan educators — don’t miss the final Section 33 Visual Arts & Music Grant workshop! The October 28 (4 p.m.) session will walk through the application process, offer tips, and answer your questions. Register & learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
Take action for your students’ creativity! Applications are due October 30. Start preparing now. Explore sample applications, webinars, and implementation guides. Collaborate with your team — curriculum, principals, and arts partners — to align your proposal. maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
Michigan Department of Education Grant: Section 33 | MAEIA - Michigan Arts Education Instruction & Assessment
Michigan Department of Education 2025-2026 Section 33 K-5 Visual Arts and Music Programs Section 33 of the 2025-26 School Aid Bill provides...
maeia-artsednetwork.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Take action for your students’ creativity! Applications are due October 30. Start preparing now. Explore sample applications, webinars, and implementation guides. Collaborate with your team — curriculum, principals, and arts partners — to align your proposal. maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
Calling all Michigan educators: Need funding for music or art in your elementary school?
Section 33 grants (K–5) are available. Deadline: Oct 30.
Details + support: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/ You can register for for technical assistance webinars October 21 and 28.
Section 33 grants (K–5) are available. Deadline: Oct 30.
Details + support: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/ You can register for for technical assistance webinars October 21 and 28.
October 16, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Calling all Michigan educators: Need funding for music or art in your elementary school?
Section 33 grants (K–5) are available. Deadline: Oct 30.
Details + support: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/ You can register for for technical assistance webinars October 21 and 28.
Section 33 grants (K–5) are available. Deadline: Oct 30.
Details + support: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/ You can register for for technical assistance webinars October 21 and 28.
Attention Michigan K–5 schools! The Michigan Department of Education is offering Section 33 grants to support visual arts and music programs.
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Workshops, templates, and more available!
Learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
#ArtsEd
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Workshops, templates, and more available!
Learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
#ArtsEd
Michigan Department of Education Grant: Section 33 | MAEIA - Michigan Arts Education Instruction & Assessment
Michigan Department of Education 2025-2026 Section 33 K-5 Visual Arts and Music Programs Section 33 of the 2025-26 School Aid Bill provides...
maeia-artsednetwork.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Attention Michigan K–5 schools! The Michigan Department of Education is offering Section 33 grants to support visual arts and music programs.
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Workshops, templates, and more available!
Learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
#ArtsEd
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Workshops, templates, and more available!
Learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
#ArtsEd
Arts Education Fast Fact: Students who take four years of arts and music classes score an average of over 150 points higher on the SAT than students who take only one-half year or less. reports.collegeboard.org/pdf/total-gr...
September 22, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Arts Education Fast Fact: Students who take four years of arts and music classes score an average of over 150 points higher on the SAT than students who take only one-half year or less. reports.collegeboard.org/pdf/total-gr...
Did you know that most schools in Michigan offer music and visual arts? In the 2024 MI Creative State Report, overall, 95% of responding schools reported they offered some form of arts education during the regular school day. #ArtsEdWeek #artseducation
maeia-artsednetwork.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Did you know that most schools in Michigan offer music and visual arts? In the 2024 MI Creative State Report, overall, 95% of responding schools reported they offered some form of arts education during the regular school day. #ArtsEdWeek #artseducation
Naveyah Willis: “Give art a chance, art is a peaceful thing to have, and do. It definitely helps me through a lot.”
Ingham Academy students created collages to display at Wharton Center alongside performances of Hamilton, building confidence, community, and connection. #artsedweek #arts education
Ingham Academy students created collages to display at Wharton Center alongside performances of Hamilton, building confidence, community, and connection. #artsedweek #arts education
Schools Rule! Wharton Center, Ingham Academy team up to help kids express themselves
“Give art a chance, art is a peaceful thing to have, and do. It definitely helps me through a lot,”
www.wilx.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Naveyah Willis: “Give art a chance, art is a peaceful thing to have, and do. It definitely helps me through a lot.”
Ingham Academy students created collages to display at Wharton Center alongside performances of Hamilton, building confidence, community, and connection. #artsedweek #arts education
Ingham Academy students created collages to display at Wharton Center alongside performances of Hamilton, building confidence, community, and connection. #artsedweek #arts education
Thanks to Wallace Foundation for supporting arts education research! New information 'identifies seven key elements of "culture-centered, community-based" youth arts programs that can provide a sense of belonging, identity affirmation, and skill development. "
Well-being and Well-becoming Through the Arts A Picture of Mattering for Youth of Color
New report identifies seven key elements of "culture-centered, community-based" youth arts programs that can provide a sense of belonging, identity affirmation, and skill development.
wallacefoundation.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Thanks to Wallace Foundation for supporting arts education research! New information 'identifies seven key elements of "culture-centered, community-based" youth arts programs that can provide a sense of belonging, identity affirmation, and skill development. "
In their own words, students in Lansing, Michigan shared why the arts are important to them. Third grader Alexander says he loves art because, “You don’t have to do one thing; you can be as creative as you want to be.” More about arts education in Michigan: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
August 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM
In their own words, students in Lansing, Michigan shared why the arts are important to them. Third grader Alexander says he loves art because, “You don’t have to do one thing; you can be as creative as you want to be.” More about arts education in Michigan: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
What an inspiring 360° gathering in Lansing! Collaborators came together for arts-forward policy for Michigan’s learners. Spacial thanks: @creative-hvs.bsky.social @barbwhitney.bsky.social . Stay tuned-more to come!
#MICreativePotential #ArtsEducation #CreativePolicy #Community
#MICreativePotential #ArtsEducation #CreativePolicy #Community
July 28, 2025 at 4:17 PM
What an inspiring 360° gathering in Lansing! Collaborators came together for arts-forward policy for Michigan’s learners. Spacial thanks: @creative-hvs.bsky.social @barbwhitney.bsky.social . Stay tuned-more to come!
#MICreativePotential #ArtsEducation #CreativePolicy #Community
#MICreativePotential #ArtsEducation #CreativePolicy #Community
Did you know that some doctors now prescribe museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and other health concerns. Interactive exhibits engage all senses and strengthen memory. (Magsamen & Ross, 2023) Learn more in the MI Creative State Report: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
July 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Did you know that some doctors now prescribe museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and other health concerns. Interactive exhibits engage all senses and strengthen memory. (Magsamen & Ross, 2023) Learn more in the MI Creative State Report: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
Did you know that the arts boost the economy? In 2022, the Arts and Culture sector was a $1.1 trillion industry, supporting 5.2 million jobs and accounting for 4.3% of the U.S. economy. It surpassed sectors like Transportation, Construction, Education, and Agriculture. NASAA, 2024.
July 21, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Did you know that the arts boost the economy? In 2022, the Arts and Culture sector was a $1.1 trillion industry, supporting 5.2 million jobs and accounting for 4.3% of the U.S. economy. It surpassed sectors like Transportation, Construction, Education, and Agriculture. NASAA, 2024.
Attend "Build a Better Assessment Future" in East Lansing, MI, on August 5-6, 2025 to hear Grammy-winning musician John Churchville and MI Creative Potential Director Heather Vaughan-Southard discuss "Igniting Student Creativity." Image: 2024 BBAF attendees! #education #artsed
July 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Attend "Build a Better Assessment Future" in East Lansing, MI, on August 5-6, 2025 to hear Grammy-winning musician John Churchville and MI Creative Potential Director Heather Vaughan-Southard discuss "Igniting Student Creativity." Image: 2024 BBAF attendees! #education #artsed
Barb Whitney, our Director of Operations at MI Creative Potential, is featured on the University of Michigan's podcast! Discover her path from artist to arts administration leader. Check it out: blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprog... #ArtsLeadership
From Artist to Leader: Barb Whitney’s Journey in Arts Administration | Graduate Programs
Blogs from students, faculty & staff
blogs.umflint.edu
July 7, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Barb Whitney, our Director of Operations at MI Creative Potential, is featured on the University of Michigan's podcast! Discover her path from artist to arts administration leader. Check it out: blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprog... #ArtsLeadership
We love the arts being represented in MDE’s celebration of teachers! www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lra...
proudMIeducator: Michael Rumbell, Northville Public Schools
Source: Michigan Department of EducationNOTE: All advertisements embedded in videos posted on YouTube are generated by YouTube’s ContentID algorithm. The SOM...
www.youtube.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:40 PM
We love the arts being represented in MDE’s celebration of teachers! www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lra...
Explore the "Representation in Arts Education Matters" document, connecting educators with diverse artists who serve as "mirrors or windows" for students. This initiative showcases how diverse artistic voices enrich learning. #DiverseArts #StudentInspiration maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
June 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Explore the "Representation in Arts Education Matters" document, connecting educators with diverse artists who serve as "mirrors or windows" for students. This initiative showcases how diverse artistic voices enrich learning. #DiverseArts #StudentInspiration maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
Our colleague Nafeesah Symonette's keynote address from the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Summit invites us to consider our roles as artists, leaders, and firekeepers in a time that needs us most. youtu.be/I5qdyungMf4.
Stirring the Coals: A Call to Action-NWMI Arts & Cultural Summit 2025 Keynote by Nafeesah Symonette
YouTube video by DEYA-Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts
youtu.be
June 19, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Our colleague Nafeesah Symonette's keynote address from the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Summit invites us to consider our roles as artists, leaders, and firekeepers in a time that needs us most. youtu.be/I5qdyungMf4.
Policy, Funding & Engagement
In February, the Michigan Department of Education disbursed $2,855,434 through 28 Section 33 grants for K-5 music and visual arts. We expect a new round of these grants to be open for applications by October 1. #ArtsFunding #Education
In February, the Michigan Department of Education disbursed $2,855,434 through 28 Section 33 grants for K-5 music and visual arts. We expect a new round of these grants to be open for applications by October 1. #ArtsFunding #Education
June 16, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Policy, Funding & Engagement
In February, the Michigan Department of Education disbursed $2,855,434 through 28 Section 33 grants for K-5 music and visual arts. We expect a new round of these grants to be open for applications by October 1. #ArtsFunding #Education
In February, the Michigan Department of Education disbursed $2,855,434 through 28 Section 33 grants for K-5 music and visual arts. We expect a new round of these grants to be open for applications by October 1. #ArtsFunding #Education
Reposted by MI Creative Potential
🎙️ "The federal government actually doesn't have authority to interfere with inclusive curriculum choices at all." – Alice O’Brien, NEA General Counsel
In this School Me podcast episode, discover how educators can navigate and challenge anti-DEI policies in schools. Listen now:
In this School Me podcast episode, discover how educators can navigate and challenge anti-DEI policies in schools. Listen now:
A Lawyer Explains: "DEI" and Anti-Equity Policies in Schools | NEA
Alice O’Brien, general counsel for the National Education Association, walks through your rights, risks, and opportunities for to push back against anti-equality policies and fear tactics.
bit.ly
May 26, 2025 at 2:33 PM
🎙️ "The federal government actually doesn't have authority to interfere with inclusive curriculum choices at all." – Alice O’Brien, NEA General Counsel
In this School Me podcast episode, discover how educators can navigate and challenge anti-DEI policies in schools. Listen now:
In this School Me podcast episode, discover how educators can navigate and challenge anti-DEI policies in schools. Listen now:
MSU’s Education Policy Fellowship Program explored arts education policy and practice. With Heather Vaughan-Southard, Barb Whitney, and fellow creative leaders, fellows got hands-on with the process—Dr. Beverly is pictured here making a pinch pot, embodying the connection between making and meaning.
May 12, 2025 at 8:32 PM
MSU’s Education Policy Fellowship Program explored arts education policy and practice. With Heather Vaughan-Southard, Barb Whitney, and fellow creative leaders, fellows got hands-on with the process—Dr. Beverly is pictured here making a pinch pot, embodying the connection between making and meaning.
Did you know that the arts can foster students’ positive approaches to learning and greater interpersonal skills? MI Creative Potential leaders Heather Vaughan-Southard and Barb Whitney serve with National Endowment for the Arts' Sunil Iyengar on AEP's Data Working Group and share his findings!
Educating Ourselves about Childhood Arts Experiences—and Why They Matter
In this new post from our Research and Analysis office, we look at two new reports on arts education and what they can tell us about why arts education matters.
www.arts.gov
April 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Did you know that the arts can foster students’ positive approaches to learning and greater interpersonal skills? MI Creative Potential leaders Heather Vaughan-Southard and Barb Whitney serve with National Endowment for the Arts' Sunil Iyengar on AEP's Data Working Group and share his findings!
Together we can advance arts education in Michigan! We are thrilled to announce the launch of the artlook® Michigan platform! Explore its features and join our vibrant arts community today. michigan.artlookmap.com
#ArtsEducation #artsinmichigan
#ArtsEducation #artsinmichigan
April 15, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Together we can advance arts education in Michigan! We are thrilled to announce the launch of the artlook® Michigan platform! Explore its features and join our vibrant arts community today. michigan.artlookmap.com
#ArtsEducation #artsinmichigan
#ArtsEducation #artsinmichigan
Advocacy in action in Michigan's Capitol Rotunda.
March 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Advocacy in action in Michigan's Capitol Rotunda.
As part of our work, we are pleased share with you the MI Creative State Report 2024! This report explains the findings of the Michigan K-12 Arts Education Survey conducted in 2023-24. Click below to see the full report! maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
February 3, 2025 at 1:55 AM
As part of our work, we are pleased share with you the MI Creative State Report 2024! This report explains the findings of the Michigan K-12 Arts Education Survey conducted in 2023-24. Click below to see the full report! maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
The arts generate innovation, engagement,
achievement, and well-being. (Cohen, 2024) ww2.americansforthearts.org/publications...
achievement, and well-being. (Cohen, 2024) ww2.americansforthearts.org/publications...
![A young person standing in a turquoise background listens to headphones [presumably music] and appears to be in a state of serenity.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y3pg3nvhv34yfqe7ntzbrhc5/bafkreibspwqqfsulceln7cgert2tj6cf53xyitdhunefqhyfg7ttnz7j7u@jpeg)
January 28, 2025 at 3:20 AM
The arts generate innovation, engagement,
achievement, and well-being. (Cohen, 2024) ww2.americansforthearts.org/publications...
achievement, and well-being. (Cohen, 2024) ww2.americansforthearts.org/publications...