HANCOCK – The Copper Country Community Arts Council (CCCAC) is the administrator for the Regional Re-granting program of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The CCCAC facilitates funding opportunities for the arts in the six counties of the Western Upper Peninsula; Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon.

Minigrants for Arts Projects provide up to $4,000 for locally developed, high quality arts projects, which provide special opportunities to address local arts needs and increase public access to the arts. Minigrants support a broad range of artistic expression from all cultures through projects which preserve, produce, or present traditional and contemporary arts.

Minigrant dollars, matched 1:1 in cash/in-kind can be used for many types of arts activities such as exhibits, readings, performances, workshops, broadcasts, consultancies, commissions, festivals, pow wows, conferences, seminars, video and film productions and screenings, publications, and other arts activities.

Nonprofit organizations, libraries, municipalities, and K-12 schools from the six counties may apply. A panel comprised of knowledgeable individuals from the region evaluates all funding proposals. The review criterion includes artistic merit, sound planning and management, as well as community service. Geographic distribution, underserved populations, cultural diversity, and a variety of arts disciplines are considered when determining awards.

Professional and Organizational Development grants make funding available for training courses, consultants, conference fees and related travel. Organizations or individual artists and arts educators may apply for up to $1500. A 25% cash/in-kind match is required. Organizations may apply for both grant opportunities.

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, 2021 for projects taking place March 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2021. Application guidelines are available on line at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industries/mcaca/mcaca-grants/ (scroll down to Minigrant Program). All applications must be submitted online using the SmartSimple program. Register at https://mcaca.smartsimple.com/.

Grant information and individual assistance is available. For questions and more information or to make an appointment contact Cynthia Coté, Regranting Coordinator via e-mail at cynthia@coppercountryarts.com.