
Tuesdays during Morning Edition 7:50am & 9:50am
Hosted by Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw & Artrain
The arts + creative industries in Washtenaw County add hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy, add to our quality of life and place and interconnect with other sectors. creative:impact is an exclusive feature of WEMU 89.1 FM that tells that story through the local artists and creative people – professionals, amateurs, students and industry experts leading the sector locally, nationally and internationally. They have creative practices, businesses and hold creative jobs in profit, nonprofit, educational and government entities. With deep connections to Washtenaw County, they make the greater Ann Arbor area one of Michigan's strongest and most vibrant arts + creative industry hubs. creative:impact airs Tuesday mornings at 7:50 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. during Morning Edition and repeats the same afternoon during All Things Considered.
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Rob Meyer-Kukan is the owner of 7 Notes Natural Health. He is a musician and a licensed massage and sound therapist. What’s a sound therapist you ask? Rob joins Deb Polich, WEMU's "creative:impact" host, to enlighten us about this practice and the healing nature of sound.
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James Parry Eyster – AKA Jason – knows Frank Porter Glazier – perhaps Chelsea, Michigan’s most prominent and notorious resident. In fact, Jason found Glazier’s life so fascinating, he was compelled to write a musical to tell the tale. Meet Jason and hear all about the drama and intrigue when he joins Deb Polich, WEMU's "creative impact" host.
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50 years of Gemini! Twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits’ music, harmonizing voices, and fun memorable lyrics have captured the attention of children and families for five decades. What’s kept the brothers in the game and on the stage all these years? Find out when San and Laz join host Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
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Jenn Cornell Queen is four months into her tenure as the executive director of the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC). At 114 years old, the Art Center is one of Ann Arbor’s oldest cultural institutions. How’s it going for its new leader? Find out when Jenn joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich, and they talk about the past and future of this venerable organization.
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The fear of public speaking, according to multiple media reports, is the number one fear of Americans! It’s even higher than the fear of death! Why? And what can be done about it? Eleni Kelakos is known as “The Speaker Whisperer". She coaches people in all walks of life to speak in public with confidence. Join Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, to meet Eleni and pick up a few stress-reducing public speaking tips.
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The numbers are in, and they are big! The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its findings that the arts + creative industries added $1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2021. Yes, that’s $1 trillion with a “T” or 4.4% of GDP. In Michigan, it’s $15.5 billion and 2.7% added to the economy. Does that mean the sector has recovered from COVID? Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, meets up with Randy Cohen, VP of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts. Together, they’ll digest the numbers.
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"creative:impact" is taking a walk to Chelsea – a Sculpture Walk that is. For almost 12 years, this public art and design program featuring sculptures by area artist has charmed residents and visitors alike as they walk the streets of Chelsea. Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, meets up with Terris Ahrens, executive director of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, to learn more and take listeners on a virtual Sculpture Walk.
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Jane Montero discovered her passion: teaching kids art and design. She didn’t just become a good teacher – she became a great art teacher. Just ask her students at Dexter’s Creekside Elementary and the National Art Education Association, who awarded Jane the National Outstanding Art Teacher of the Year – TWICE! Jane joins Deb Polich, your host, on this edition of "creative impact."
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Flickering light and the clickety-clack of 24 frames of film per second running through a projector have kept projectionist Frank Uhle company for decades. Inside the booth high above the audience, he has been witness to Ann Arbor’s cinema culture since the 1980s. Join Deb Polich, your "creative:impact" host, to meet Frank and get a sneak preview of his new book "Cinema Ann Arbor" before it hits the stands in June.
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March is Arts Advocacy Month, which gives those in the arts and political fields a chance to come together and discuss how the arts can better our quality of life. Creative Washtenaw CEO Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair are back together for a special episode of "creative:impact" to talk about the upcoming Cultural Advocacy Day and what it means for the state of Michigan.