MCACA

From October 2001 through June 2002 Traverse Management Resources worked with the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) on a project to discover the hopes, dreams and aspirations of Michigan citizens for the future of arts and culture in the State of Michigan. In a series of facilitated Community Conversations, personal and collective visions for the ways art and culture can impact life in our communities and state were gathered and documented.

A cross-section of Michigan citizens from 83 communities representing every region of the state participated in the dialogue. Facilitated Community Conversations were held in thirteen locations in both the Lower and Upper Peninsula and with attendees at the MCACA 2001 Fall Conference, "Shaping Michigan's Cultural Future." The Community Conversations involved over 500 citizens representing government, education, business, human services, libraries, artists and arts organizations from urban, rural and suburban communities. Four common themes describing participants' visions for the enhancement of life in Michigan through arts and culture emerged from the sessions. Although each community identified variations on these themes, Russ and Leslie were able to identify remarkable consistencies across every community and in every sector of the population.

"Russ and Leslie Knopp facilitated an input process that involved over 500 people from all regions of state as the first step of a process that will guide the future development of arts and culture in Michigan. They created an environment in which citizens freely shared their personal hopes and dreams and to engage the groups in discussion about their common ideas. The summary report is concise and clearly articulates the threads of a common vision."

Betty Boone, Executive Director
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs