Our mission is to engage communities, inspire local arts organizations and bring all forms of art to the West Michigan area with top quality performances and events, as well as exceptional, distinctive, coordinated programming.
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Leigh Engelbrecht - Chair
James Connelly - Vice Chair
Don Brightman - Treasurer
Jessica Dawson - Secretary
Linda Humbert - Executive Director
Anna Brothers - Director
Peter Bouchard
Isabel Gauthier
Deb Havens
Sarah McGee
Garrett TenHave-Chapman
Join the Board
WMAC currently has one opening for a new Director on our Board for 2024. We're seeking a candidate with passion for the arts and specific experience in WIX website editing. Our Board of Directors meets monthly in person or via Zoom. We host annual fundraising events and assist our 20 member groups with their events and meetings. Please click on this link to download the board application and email us at wmartscouncil@gmail.com.
Experience is not necessary, enthusiasm is!
THANK YOU
Thank you to the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for their generous support of the arts in our state and across the country. WMAC was recently awarded a 2024 Operational Support grant for a total of $8,750. These funds are vitally important as we continue to work to resume normal performances, events and classes. We deeply appreciate their support. $5,499 was provided from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and $3,251 was provided from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The West Michigan Arts Council also wishes to thank The Lowell Area Arts Councils Inc. for its generous support IN 2024 with the award of $773 to be used for website updating. This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council administered by LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL INC.
30 YEARS SUPPORTING THE ARTS
The West Michigan Arts Council (WMAC) was formed as a nonprofit 501(c)3 back in 1994. Since then we've gone through several name changes (including Creative Art Center and Arts Rockford), growing and expanding our audience into the eight counties surrounding the city of Grand Rapids and we continue to grow more each year.
WMAC supports other local arts groups in western Michigan. We provide marketing design and access to low-cost printing for nonprofits. We also provide legal assistance to nonprofits with incorporation, state and federal filings as well as helping with fundraising efforts and grant applications.
WMAC produces a major Summer Youth Art Enrichment Program during the months of June, July and August with up to 20 sessions and concerts held in the Sparta area. These sessions are free for youth, appropriate for ages 7-14, and also include free family concerts and activities.
We host a Dinner Theater event in the fall, which is our major annual fundraising event, with a full catered dinner, cash bar and a live theater performance directed by Kent Schuster and performed by the Hit'N'Run Players. On September 23rd this year, we presented "The Odd Couple, Female Version" by Neil Simon. Watch this website for information on our 2024 event!
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, we join the annual holiday festivities produced by the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the annual sidewalk sale, parade and fireworks, we operate a Warm-Up facility in the Sparta Civic Center. This event features live holiday music, a large trqain display, free cookies for the kids and a cash bar with warm or cold drinks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.....and of course, heated fully accessible restrooms.
Our office is in the beautifully renovated Downtown Development Authority / Chamber of Commerce building in the Village of Sparta. We're happy to be rebuilding our annual schedule of events. The Chamber building is now open Monday - Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. We're very grateful to the Village of Sparta for allowing us to use the Sparta Civic Center, the Rogers Park Band Shell and other public areas for fundraising events and performances.
All West Michigan nonprofit arts groups are encouraged to contact us regarding becoming a member of the West Michigan Arts Council. There are many benefits and - at this time - there's no cost to join as a member group. Visit the Contact page for more information on becoming a group member of WMAC.