![](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/940d86c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/622x622+0+0/resize/280x280!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8f%2F6d%2Fde7ba77e40da98bcb800e00d3d1b%2Fcreative-impact-logo-box.png)
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 (hosted by Deb Polich, president/CEO of Creative Washtenaw & Artrain) 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.
-
Whether or not Ann Arbor’s Bobby Fox, the author of the book "Love & Vodka", ever thought such a dream could come true, Ypsilanti filmmaker Heidi Philipsen-Meissner made it happen. Heidi and Bobby join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to talk about their experience at the Love & Vodka’s film premiere during the 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival.
-
Musician and educator, John E. Lawrence had a dream for a summer jazz festival in Ypsilanti. In 2021, he took the leap, and wow, did they come! Now, thousands flock to Ford Lake on Friday nights to hear the sounds and sway to the music of jazz artists from Southeast Michigan and beyond. Johnny tells us about his Summer Jazz Festival phenomenon when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
-
Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day – was started in France 40 some years ago to mark the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Now celebrated in hundreds of countries, Make Music Day made its way to Ann Arbor last year, thanks to the Ann Arbor District Library. On this episode of WEMU’s "creative:impact," Rich Retyi tells host Deb Polich what’s on the playlist for the longest day of the year, June 21st.
-
Stamina is a required trait in the world of theater! Rachel continues to face and meet the challenge of getting her plays produced. She has also distinguished herself by breaking — wait for it — a Bonneville Salt Flat speed record! Meet Rachel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
-
Born and raised in Jiangsu, China, Isabel Wang’s fascinating journey to becoming a full-time leather artisan and starting her business, Arbor Trading Post, is by way of 7,000 miles and a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Meet Isabel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
-
Think about this: how many people get to celebrate their town’s bicentennial in their lifetime? While you contemplate that, plan to join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact." We meet Jeff Crockett, one of the many Ann Arbor community members excited to plan Ann Arbor’s 200th birthday party, so everyone can celebrate.
-
When you find and wonder what to do with that loved, but dusty and unused musical instrument found in your basement, attic or garage, give it to "Horns for the Holidays." Ken Kozora has collected, repaired and repurposed instruments for students across Washtenaw County. Meet Ken and learn more about "Horns for the Holidays" when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
-
For the first time, as they mark the 300th "creative:impact" show on WEMU, producer Mat Hopson joins Deb Polich on the air. Together, they take a look back, reminisce a bit, chat about some of their favorite episodes and they might just disclose a blunder or two.
-
Get a behind the scenes look at the 2024 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti. Known affectionately as the iFFY, it runs April 24 – 27. Get the iFFY scoop when organizers Hafsah Mijinyawa and Martin Thoburn joined Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."
-
The tradition of community bands dates back centuries. We learn about the local bands that entertain residents on national holidays and put on concerts in parks and auditoriums when local community band experts Jerry Robbins and William Perrine join Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."