The directory, a joint project of the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, provides schools, libraries, museums, civic and service groups, festival organizers, and other organizations in Michigan a wide variety of cultural programming opportunities in the fields of dance, music, storytelling, theater, and traditional and visual arts.

Formal adjudication of all presenters and performers listed in the directory was facilitated by 53 individuals from appropriate humanities and arts fields who evaluated applicants’ materials and recommended the highest-quality performances and presentations for inclusion.

The directory listing includes program descriptions, fees, and contact persons. Although fee ranges are referenced, they are negotiable. Program planners must contact the person identified by the performer or presenter to discuss all listed information.

A listing in Michigan’s Arts & Humanities Touring Directory is not an endorsement by the Michigan Humanities Council or the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, nor are the Councils responsible for program content and/or incorrect information.

Touring Program Grants

Touring Program grants are awarded by the Michigan Humanities Council to assist nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, and other cultural groups hosting presentations listed in the directory. A grant application and guidelines are located in the back of the directory and may also be downloaded from the Council’s website (link here).

Touring Program grants are available to nonprofit organizations who may request up to 35 percent of presenters’/exhibitors’ fees and travel expenses. Requests for grants may not exceed $3,000 per application, and an organization may not request more than $6,000 in a fiscal year.

Please note the following application procedures:
• The Touring Program will offer two grant periods during the fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). The total annual funds allocated for Touring Program grants will be divided equally between the two granting periods. Applications will not be accepted prior to the grant period.
• Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis from August 25–September 10 for programs scheduled October 1–March 31, and February 25–March 10 for programs scheduled April 1–September 30.

In fiscal year 2005–06, the program invested more than $67,000 in support of about 315 arts and cultural programs reaching 42 of the state’s 83 counties. Of the 42 counties, 54 percent were considered “underserved”—areas that have limited access to arts and cultural programs, services, or resources primarily because of location, economic condition, and/or cultural background.

Schools, organizations, or other non-profit groups with questions or needing assistance with the application process may call the Michigan Humanities Council at (517) 372-7770 or e-mail contact@mihumanties.org.

Touring Arts & Humanities Showcase 2006 (link here to register)

The Showcase, scheduled for September 16, 2006, at Marshall High School, brings together performers, presenters, and community arts and cultural program planners from Michigan’s nonprofit sector. It gives event planners an opportunity to experience a sampling of “live” performances from the directory and to engage presenters for upcoming private or public events. Cost for the day’s activities, including lunch, is $35 per person. Registration information is available from the Michigan Humanities Council, 119 Pere Marquette Dr., Suite 3B, Lansing, MI 48912-1270, at (517) 372-7770, or from the website (link here), or by e-mail at contact [at] mihumanities.org. This event is being sponsored in part by the United Arts Council of Calhoun County.

Special Acknowledgment

The Michigan Humanities Council extends its appreciation to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for its continued support of this program and its other partnership activities. The Council would like to thank LaSalle Bank for its sponsorship in support of the Arts and Humanities Touring Directory. The Council also extends a special thanks to adjudicators who took time from their busy schedules to review applicants’ materials. A sincere “thank you” to all artists and presenters who applied for directory listing.