Through a grant program, several Marquette County organizations were awarded funds to expand arts and culture, and NMU’s DeVos Art Museum was selected as one of the organizations.
The total grant money announced by the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) on Tuesday, Oct. 22, was $157,688. Of that sum, the DeVos Art Museum received $14,188.
The museum plans to accomplish a significant amount with the grant such as allowing more than 1,000 local K-12 students to come to the museum for volunteer-led tours, with busing included. Funds will also support promotions for the museum’s annual “North of the 45th” exhibition, which features artists who live north of the infamous 45th parallel, the “U.P. Focus” exhibition featuring Bernie Park and Carol Irving and “Exploration in the Woods” exhibition.
“The grant allows us to bring internationally and nationally acclaimed artists and exhibitions to the museum,” DeVos Art Museum Director Emily Lanctot said.
The grant will also help support the annual children’s exhibition which will shine a spotlight on the works of young children and local art teachers, Lanctot said.
The main mission of MCACA is “ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture,” according to their website.
MCACA awards grants to arts and culture organizations, cities and municipalities, or other nonprofit organizations. If an organization is selected to be a grant recipient, they must also match the awarded funds. Made up of 15 members appointed by the governor, MCACA is the state of Michigan’s lead agency in charge of developing arts and culture policy, as well as grant making.
“I have seen the impact the organization has on the Upper Peninsula and in our region. Not only does MCACA support programs for places like the art museum on campus, but the regional re-granting office supports small projects and professional development for non-profit arts organizations,” Lanctot said.
The museum is free and open for all to visit. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Monday viewings are by appointment.
