“A grand piano was donated to our district because of the expansion of the program."
”We are anticipating much greater retention and continuity of band and vocal studies."
-Dr. Katherine Bertolini, Superintendent Maple Valley Schools
Posts by MI Creative Potential
"This technology has empowered my students to move beyond passive listening, allowing them to record, produce, and analyze their own work with professional clarity... - John Churchville, Music Educator & Grammy Award-Winning Professional Musician, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Calling arts and culture organizations! Want to learn more about artlook® Michigan? Do you need account creation support? Register for Technical Support Sessions with Amy Lynne Pobanz, offered on April 21, 2026, at 1 pm and 5 pm link here: buff.ly/lziTVUa
Calling arts and culture organizations! Are you interested in connecting with K-12 schools to strengthen and support district arts education with arts-related performances, workshops, exhibitions, and residencies? MI Creative Potential can help! Learn more here: buff.ly/mjPisOY
"I am proud to be a Michigan art teacher...the arts are important and its curricula a priority in the learning experiences of our students. These additions to our art and music programs actively show students that they are valued..." Visual Arts Teacher Heidi Rhodes, MI Creative Story
What does creativity look like across Michigan? Starting April 1, we’re sharing the stories behind the work.
Follow MI Creative Potential and join us.
#MICreativeStory #CreativeMichigan
Calling arts and culture organizations! Are you interested in connecting with K-12 schools to strengthen and support district arts education with arts-related performances, workshops, exhibitions, and residencies? MI Creative Potential can help! Learn more here:
Innovation starts with the arts and grows through meaningful assessment.
Thank you to Michigan Assessment Consortium for supporting this work statewide.
Read more:
mailchi.mp/michiganasse...
Something meaningful is coming.
April 1 marks the start of MI Creative Story
real voices, real impact, across Michigan.
Follow along and be part of it.
#MICreativePotential #MICreativeStory
MI Creative Potential advances access to quality arts education for Michigan’s students. We help connect arts education providers for students in school and beyond. If you are an arts organization or an independent teaching artist, click here to get involved! buff.ly/mjPisOY
What does a gold standard high quality arts program look like?
Use the MAEIA Blueprint to plan for arts programming! You can use it to connect educators, organizations, and teaching artists to expand student access and create unique learning opportunities.
maeia-artsednetwork.org/.../MAC-Blue....
NEA joined @apsva.us's Cardinal Elementary in Arlington, VA for a joyful #ReadAcrossAmerica Read-In! New titles were added to classrooms across the school and every child received a book to take home. 📚 Celebrate the joy of reading with us at nea.org/readacrossamerica.
Final Workshop Reminder! Michigan educators — don’t miss the final Section 33 Visual Arts & Music Grant workshop! The October 28 (4 p.m.) session will walk through the application process, offer tips, and answer your questions. Register & learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
Take action for your students’ creativity! Applications are due October 30. Start preparing now. Explore sample applications, webinars, and implementation guides. Collaborate with your team — curriculum, principals, and arts partners — to align your proposal. maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
Calling all Michigan educators: Need funding for music or art in your elementary school?
Section 33 grants (K–5) are available. Deadline: Oct 30.
Details + support: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/ You can register for for technical assistance webinars October 21 and 28.
Attention Michigan K–5 schools! The Michigan Department of Education is offering Section 33 grants to support visual arts and music programs.
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Workshops, templates, and more available!
Learn more: maeia-artsednetwork.org/vaandmusicgrant/
#ArtsEd
Arts Education Fast Fact: Students who take four years of arts and music classes score an average of over 150 points higher on the SAT than students who take only one-half year or less. reports.collegeboard.org/pdf/total-gr...
Did you know that most schools in Michigan offer music and visual arts? In the 2024 MI Creative State Report, overall, 95% of responding schools reported they offered some form of arts education during the regular school day. #ArtsEdWeek #artseducation
Naveyah Willis: “Give art a chance, art is a peaceful thing to have, and do. It definitely helps me through a lot.”
Ingham Academy students created collages to display at Wharton Center alongside performances of Hamilton, building confidence, community, and connection. #artsedweek #arts education
Thanks to Wallace Foundation for supporting arts education research! New information 'identifies seven key elements of "culture-centered, community-based" youth arts programs that can provide a sense of belonging, identity affirmation, and skill development. "
In their own words, students in Lansing, Michigan shared why the arts are important to them. Third grader Alexander says he loves art because, “You don’t have to do one thing; you can be as creative as you want to be.” More about arts education in Michigan: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
What an inspiring 360° gathering in Lansing! Collaborators came together for arts-forward policy for Michigan’s learners. Spacial thanks: @creative-hvs.bsky.social @barbwhitney.bsky.social . Stay tuned-more to come!
#MICreativePotential #ArtsEducation #CreativePolicy #Community
Did you know that some doctors now prescribe museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and other health concerns. Interactive exhibits engage all senses and strengthen memory. (Magsamen & Ross, 2023) Learn more in the MI Creative State Report: maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
Did you know that the arts boost the economy? In 2022, the Arts and Culture sector was a $1.1 trillion industry, supporting 5.2 million jobs and accounting for 4.3% of the U.S. economy. It surpassed sectors like Transportation, Construction, Education, and Agriculture. NASAA, 2024.
Attend "Build a Better Assessment Future" in East Lansing, MI, on August 5-6, 2025 to hear Grammy-winning musician John Churchville and MI Creative Potential Director Heather Vaughan-Southard discuss "Igniting Student Creativity." Image: 2024 BBAF attendees! #education #artsed
Barb Whitney, our Director of Operations at MI Creative Potential, is featured on the University of Michigan's podcast! Discover her path from artist to arts administration leader. Check it out: blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprog... #ArtsLeadership
We love the arts being represented in MDE’s celebration of teachers! www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lra...
Explore the "Representation in Arts Education Matters" document, connecting educators with diverse artists who serve as "mirrors or windows" for students. This initiative showcases how diverse artistic voices enrich learning. #DiverseArts #StudentInspiration maeia-artsednetwork.org/wp-content/u...
Our colleague Nafeesah Symonette's keynote address from the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Summit invites us to consider our roles as artists, leaders, and firekeepers in a time that needs us most. youtu.be/I5qdyungMf4.