State: MI

Rooted in Rhythm is a dance performance project that explores how traditional West African dance styles have influenced contemporary Black dance in Detroit, especially the Jit. It features performances and training from artists, highlighting the cultural connections and shared rhythms between dance disciplines.

Poets in their own words at indie bookstores; a Midwest Gig Trail that connects artists to community venues in a multi-beneficial way. the Poetics Lab will bring writers across state lines to workshop with & perform in front of audiences they usually wouldn't have access to due to financial strain & other barriers. We aim to lift writers & connect communities. Includes ASL & virtual accessibility.

The Inner Harmony project is a series of visual art and movement meditation workshops for adults with mental and physical disabilities at Vista Center in Flint, Michigan. Participants work with two professional artists to explore artistic themes of inner harmony to transform responses into movement, and present a film performance that displays their visual art and movements with live piano music.

Art in the Trees highlights Palmer Park's Earth Day Celebration & Cleanup with art installations and music throughout Palmer Park 70-acre Old Growth Forest's ADA accessible pathways. The event entices visitors of all ages to create artwork, pick up trash, and creatively encourage park pride as they discover surprises: large-scale sculptures, tiny Aziza Fairy doors and unusual musical instruments.

Play House Laboratories (PHL) will present a new work by choreographer and composer Leyya Mona Tawil - "Malayeen Voices" - a series of historic and ‘future’ folksongs from Syria and Palestine. "Malayeen Voices" uses sound art and physical performance for an interactive work that explores the diasporic experience through the lens of Tawil's background as a Syrian, Palestinian, and American artist.

The Great Lakes Hula Retreat will once again be providing an opportunity for local Polynesian dance and cultural arts students to learn directly from Hawaii based Kumu Hula (master instructors) during a full weekend of classes and workshops.

Pure Winds, in collaboration with Detroit Harmony, will organize visits to David Ellis Academy, Detroit Edison Academy, and Detroit Prep Academy during May 2025 to introduce 5th grade students to instruments from the woodwind and brass families. After the visits, Detroit Harmony will host an evening instrument fitting event where students can actually try out instruments.

Que Blackout Media Arts Youth Theater distinguishes itself from traditional youth theaters by prioritizing students in backstage roles, such as broadcasting and marketing, while providing a platform for skill development in performance, technical theater, and media production, fostering creativity and individual growth.

For Black History Month 2025, The GhostLight Theatre would like to bring our friend and professional actor, Ernie Hudson, back to his hometown of Benton Harbor, MI to perform in Lynn Nottage's "Clyde's." If Ernie is unavailable, we will hire another professional, African-American actor.

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra is thrilled to bring internationally renowned violinist and educator Dmitri Berlinsky to our northern Michigan community. This collaboration will provide a world-class artistic experience for our audiences and inspiring opportunity for our musicians, while advancing GLCO's mission and contributing to a more thriving and culturally enriched community.