Creative entrepreneurship was a guiding theme at the Arts Alliance 2010 Convergence on Oct. 26 in Ypsilanti. The Alliance – comprised of artists and art supporters in Ypsilanti, Milan, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester and Ann Arbor – is working to make arts and culture seen as a basic value in a community, vital to prosperity and quality of life. With input from SEMCOG, the Alliance is promoting the concept of a "cultural master plan" for communities, based on guidelines remarkably similar to the eight assets of the League’s 21c3 initiative.
Ann Arbor.com wrote about the conference and the concept of art as a catalyst for change.
At the core of the Alliance mission is the concept of art as a driving force in economic development, and the need to foster creative entrepreneurship. Keynote speaker Derrick Ashong spoke on the transformative power of arts and culture in educating today’s youth. His global vision for America’s future is about cultivating a culture of innovation.
The Arts Alliance is a great example of how grassroots organizations can play a powerful role in helping municipalities to promote leadership and create opportunities that stimulate economic development and build strong, vibrant communities.
Elizabeth Shaw is Communications Coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. She can be reached at eshaw@mml.org or 734-669-6318.
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