Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage supports one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for students
Photos are courtesy of Flint Cultural Center. Featured photo: Children at the Sloan Museum of Discovery
Genesee County, Mich. – Schools across Genesee County continue to take advantage of their unique access to the arts and culture, with nearly 150,000 students participating in field trips or outreach programs last year thanks to the Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage.
The millage brings the arts, history and science to life for thousands of students right here in Genesee County, making field trips to all corners of the state unnecessary for local schools. Thanks to the millage, county students, regardless of their zip code, age or background, can access these rich learning opportunities at local museums and cultural institutions.
During the 2024-25 school year, the Sloan Museum of Science and History and Longway Planetarium hosted 66,770 students for hands-on field trips and planetarium shows and conducted outreach programs with another 9,630 students.
“We are proud to offer students across Genesee County the opportunity to have hands-on experiences with history and science,” said Todd Slisher, Sloan and Longway executive director.
The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) served 38,475 students with free gallery field trips and low-cost outreach encounters and art-making programs. More than 840 classes from across the county visited the museum’s art studios alone, providing students with an opportunity to learn how to create artwork with their own hands.
“FIA’s educational staff works closely with teachers and educators across Genesee County to help ensure students have unparalleled access to art and culture,” said Tracee Glab, FIA executive director. “At FIA, students experience the arts in ways they can’t through books, TV or the internet — complementing school art programs or filling this need if it isn’t offered within their school.”
Flint Institute of Music (FIM) is another popular destination for school field trips thanks to its extensive educational programming and live performances, classes and workshops. This academic year, FIM served 15,191 students through schooltime performances, for which elementary through high school students are transported to see a play at the Whiting Auditorium or Flint Repertory Theatre during school hours.
“During this academic year, students were able to see live performances such as ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ ‘Godspell,’ and ‘A Year with Frog and Toad,’” said Rodney Lontine, FIM president and CEO. “To enhance their live experience, we provide free specialized study guides for teachers to help connect what is happening on the stage to new skills students are learning in the classroom.”
Additionally, FIM’s Troubadours served 11,400 elementary students. Filling in the gap as funding support for music and arts education declines, this dynamic program gives students a rare opportunity to experience a live performance by professional musicians from FIM Flint Symphony Orchestra and FIM School of Performing Arts.
Berston Field House provided field trip opportunities to 140 children to art exhibits, history museums, music studios, libraries and the FIA.
“Berston Field House supports children academically and socially with educational field trip opportunities,” said Executive Director James Avery. “These experiences stick with children and inspire them into the future.”
Additionally, the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC) exhibited student artwork from Genesee County high schools in its gallery, and The New McCree Theatre offered a series of educational programs for children.
To learn more about group tours or field trips, visit the institutions’ websites:
- Sloan and Longway at sloanlongway.org/education
- FIA at flintarts.org/learn/schools
- FIM at thefim.org
- Berston Field House at berston.org
- GFAC at greaterflintartscouncil.org
- The New McCree Theatre at thenewmccreetheatre.com
Thanks to the Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage, Genesee County residents enjoy free general admission to the Sloan Museum of Discovery and the Flint Institute of Arts, 50% off Longway Planetarium admission, as well as 30-75% off performances and admissions at other millage-recipient institutions including Flint Institute of Music venues, Berston Field House and The New McCree Theatre.
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