Help Prevent Michigan Budget Cuts to the Arts
On August 27, 2025 the Michigan House of Representatives passed a preliminary budget that completely eliminates state government funding for arts and culture. This proposal serves to decimate Michigan’s creative sector, threaten thousands of jobs, weaken local economies, and strip communities of the programs and cultural resources they rely on.
The overall House budget is over $5 billion smaller than the version passed by the Senate earlier this summer and includes drastic cuts in many sectors, including the zeroing out of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) grants.
This proposed House Republican budget now goes to the Conference Committee to be negotiated with the State Senate and the Governor’s Office. Funding for the arts in our state should receive bipartisan support. If this budget moves forward as is, the impacts will be dire:
- Thousands of jobs lost across the state.
- Economic instability for communities where arts and culture drive tourism, small businesses, and local investment.
- Loss of access to programs that support education, historic preservation, creative therapies, and cultural institutions statewide.
Negotiations are happening right now, and this is a moment to act and advocate. We encourage UMS audiences and supporters to take action and contact the Governor’s Office and your legislators in the state House and Senate.
The Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (or CAN), the state arts advocacy association, recommends the following:
- Call, email, and schedule meetings with your representatives.
- Use CAN’s email template and phone script to make it easy.
- Share your story—explain how these cuts would affect your organization, your community, and Michigan’s future.
- Find your Legislators
Thank you for playing your part and advocating for continued state funding for the arts in Michigan!
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