the arts

Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority has installed the first art piece for its Elevate Program. It’s part of the city’s goal to provide more public art for local residents. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

When we hear the term "technology-based arts," it always seems like a brand new artform. Truth is, it’s been around for decades, though it is constantly evolving. On this edition of "creative:impact," alvin hill, an Ann Arbor-based techno-artist, joins host Deb Polich. They talk about his work and how he has extended his practice through Media Ensemble, a program that offers middle schoolers an opportunity to explore the art of technology.

A lot has been happening at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Arts Center since Elizabeth Warren took her seat as the executive director two years ago – building expansion, new programs and community events to name a few. We find out what else Liz and her board have in store for the center in this conversation with Deb Polich.

That’s the impact of Washtenaw County’s nonprofit arts + cultural organizations, according to the recently released national study from Americans for the Arts. Sarah Miller, president of Destination Ann Arbor, meets up with Deb Polich, host of WEMU’s "creative:impact". They discuss the findings and the ripple effect on our local economy, jobs, merchants, taxes and quality of life.

The Community Leadership Revolution, or CLR Academy, is a youth sports sampling program. It's expanding through the Ypsilanti area, and beyond. But sports are just a vehicle for the organization’s efforts to help kids live healthier lives. Among other things, it teaches them about nutrition, mental health, and building positive relationships. Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper program director Jamall Bufford is one of the founders of CLR. He joined WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the program and its growth.

Jason Stevens's company, Flutter & Wow Museum Projects, located in Ann Arbor, has designed exhibitions and displays for local museums, like the U-M Museum of Natural History and the Motown Museum, as well as museums in Kentucky, Georgia and elsewhere. Jason joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact." They talk about what it takes to create captivating and exciting exhibitions.

Sandra Murchison is an artist and the director of Eastern Michigan University’s School of Art & Design. She recently set aside her art supplies and gladly picked up a shovel for the groundbreaking ceremony for EMU’s 3D Arts Complex. Sandra joins Deb Polich on "creative:impact" to talk about this exciting addition to the EMU campus expected to open in the fall of 2024.

The greater Ann Arbor area is one of the most vibrant arts towns In America. We knew that, but now SMU Data Arts research confirms it! Daniel Fonner, director of research at SMU Data Arts joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich, and they dig into the numbers behind Ann Arbor’s ranking.

Childhood trauma takes time to heal. It also requires resources that may not be easy to find. Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel decided to use her experience in drama…

Creative industries in Washtenaw County add hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. In the weeks and months to come, 89.1 WEMU will explore…