Looking Back, Looking ForwardStrengthening the Ecosystem, Celebrating Arts & CultureAs 2022 draws to a close, we look back on our work during the past year while also looking forward to 2023 – with your support via memberships and donations – for greater engagement and services. A few highlights from 2022: •  Hosted the 6th NW Michigan Regional Arts & Culture Summit with 84 participants, 20 speakers, 3 panels, 6 breakout sessions, 2 keynotes, post-summit networking reception, resource sharing & ongoing access.
•   Administered Michigan Arts & Culture Council’s Region 2 Regrant program with 18 funded minigrants, 2 funding rounds, 22 training webinars & 59 individual/small group consults. Regranted $46,539 in minigrants, leveraging an additional $183,836 cash and $2,669 in-kind investment, paying $79,725 to artists and engaging 34,940 regional community members in arts and cultural experiences.
•   Hosted 16 monthly & special topic Zoom roundtable discussions
•   Distributed 28 MailChimp e-news
•   Conducted a 1-year Network Development project – including significant interviews, surveys & focus groups – to help the Network scale up for its future, resulting in a new 3-year plan, strategic priorities of connecting, capacity building and communications, and a roadmap for 2023 implementation.
•   Spearheaded Stories That Heal, an arts driven community health resiliency project focused on mental health, trauma and recovery in Benzie County, including key arts-led convenings with multi-pronged benefits – addressing trauma and resiliency as well as creating and sharing original music, stories, recording and podcasts. Partnered with IPR, The Garden Theater, and Benzie artists, libraries, and others.
•   Launched a New Leaders program to support and engage young and emerging artists with monthly Artist Chillouts and emerging artist exhibitions at the City Opera House and Studio Anatomy.
•   Recruited regional advocacy teams for outreach & legislative meetings.
•   Grew online and media footprint via website (www.nwmiarts.net), social media, resources & digital tools. Launched member showcase, minigrant spotlights, seasonal PR. Began regular TC Record-Eagle column.
•   Secured $112,569 in FY22 grant funding from Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Arts Midwest, Rotary Charities & Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
•  Moved to new office space at the new Commongrounds Cooperative in TC.
•   Continued building relationships with regional leaders, serving as a resource & connector, facilitating presentations, partnering for events, serving on advisory committees & sharing thought leadership. Looking forward to doing more and growing stronger – together – in 2023. Thank you! | 
