Featured photo: James Avery, Berston Field House executive director, speaks at Thursday’s press conference at Sloan Museum.
FLINT Mich. — Community leaders from Genesee County’s major cultural institutions and local arts and cultural advocates gathered recently to encourage Genesee County residents to vote YES on the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage Renewal on the Tuesday, Aug. 4, ballot.
If approved, the millage renewal would continue funding educational programs, free and discounted access to treasured cultural institutions, community programming and arts education throughout Genesee County while supporting one of the region’s strongest economic and cultural assets.
With the vibrant activity of the Sloan Museum in the background, speakers highlighted how the millage renewal supports one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for Genesee County students as well as world-class museums, music and theaters, a planetarium and more all available for public use.
“Sometimes the best learning takes place outside the classroom, and this millage renewal supports arts and cultural opportunities and experiences for all Genesee County students you can’t find in books, on TV or the internet,” said Todd Slisher, Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium executive director. “This millage renewal helps ensure every Genesee County student has access to these hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity regardless of their zip code, age or background.”
The millage renewal supports free or discounted admission to the Sloan Museum, Longway Planetarium, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music live concerts, performances and programs, McCree Theatre and Berston Field House. The millage renewal also supports funding for grants for arts education and cultural enrichment programs countywide through the Greater Flint Arts Council.
Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music president and CEO, shared how the millage renewal supports live concerts, performances and programs.
“Music teaches discipline, teamwork, creativity and confidence, and can bring people together in ways few other things can,” Lontine said. “This millage renewal helps support access to world-class musical performances while making sure more people can experience the power of music.”
Tracee Glab, Flint Institute of Arts executive director, highlighted the importance of having access to word-class art right at home.
“Art inspires, connects and creates memories that can last a lifetime,” Glab said. “We are fortunate in Genesee County to have these incredible arts and cultural institutions in our backyard. This millage renewal makes these experiences more accessible through free or discounted admission for all Genesee County residents and field trips for students.”
Speakers also emphasized how the millage renewal strengthens neighborhoods by providing safe, enriching places for young people and families.
“I see what happens when young people are given a place where they feel safe, supported and inspired,” said James Avery, Berston Field House executive director. “This millage renewal makes meaningful education and enrichment a reality for all Genesee County students.”
Speakers also highlighted the impact these cultural institutions and programs have on the local economy. The millage helps generate $130 million in economic impact countywide, supporting 2,000 jobs in our community and $63 million in personal income to Genesee County residents each year.
“I have spent my entire career serving this community, and I continue to see firsthand how this millage renewal supports amazing arts, cultural and athletic opportunities that help our kids discover their talents and learn outside of school,” said Alvern Lock, Friends of Berston Field House board member and former Flint Police chief. “These cultural institutions will help shape the next generation of leaders and strengthen families right here in Genesee County.”
Kathy McGee, a former Genesee County teacher and local arts advocate, spoke about the importance of providing arts and cultural opportunities and experiences for all Genesee County students.
“As a longtime educator, I can tell you the arts and cultural programs and field trips supported by the millage renewal provide amazing learning opportunities beyond the classroom,” McGee said. “Step inside one of our cultural institutions, and watch the magic happen — an undeniable spark. I’ve seen this spark countless times, and it’s something that can make a difference in child’s life.”
Christina Campbell, a local mother of five, said her young children are already benefitting from the many hands-on arts learning opportunities provided at the Sloan Museum and other unique institutions supported by the millage renewal.
“Having access to these amazing Genesee County arts and cultural institutions and programs is invaluable,” Campbell said. “The millage renewal makes taking advantage of these opportunities affordable for all Genesee County families. I encourage everyone to VOTE YES on this millage renewal on Aug. 4.”
The proposal is a RENEWAL of the existing millage and would cost an average of about $7 per month. If passed, all funding from this millage renewal will be publicly disclosed to promote transparency and accountability.
For more information about the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage Renewal, visit the Yes for Genesee County Art’s website.
Paid for with regulated funds by YES for Genesee County Arts, 200 E. First St., Flint, MI 48502.
