Artistic Impact PANK Magazine Page 1 Jessica Banda, Cameron Schwach, Elissa Barris
Art s Unnoticed Impact on Community In December 2010, unemployment rose to 9.7% nationwide and to 11.7% in the State of Michigan (Department of Numbers, 2011). Many of Michigan s professionals are impacted by the nation s recession, but artists and writers are facing especially challenging times (National Endowment for the Arts, 2009). Since 2008, the US Department of Labor and Statistics has continued to report that unemployment amongst artists and writers is double that of other professions (Department of Numbers, 2011). The recession not only impacts employment; it also effects liberal arts education in Michigan s schools. Art and writing programs have received rapidly decreased funding over the past five years. In 2006, the Fiscal Year Education Budget Summary cut 35.6 million dollars from Art Education. Since then, the section devoted to Arts Education has been removed from the Education Budget altogether (University of Michigan, 2008). Funding for education is especially low at Michigan s technological universities. Last Week, Michigan Technological University announced their research expenditures for 2010. Though they spent 63.5 million research dollars, less than 2.5 million dollars, 3.9% of their budget, was devoted to Arts and Humanities (Mroz, 2011). Disproportionately small Arts and Humanities budgets are extremely problematic in higher education. The Association of American Colleges and Universities reported that the number one skill requested by employers is, the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Employers are no longer satisfied with employees who possess only technical skills. They are actively seeking employees who can enhance analytical reasoning with creativity (Papova, 2011). Unfortunately, low Arts and Humanities budgets result in fewer opportunities for students to cultivate creative expertise (Bauerlein, 2010). Artistic exercises also help students to explore diversity and multiculturalism while providing an important outlet for unnoticed, underrepresented, or unappreciated community voices to be heard. Examples of community improvements from artistic expression are abundant. In Brooklyn, artists have converted tobacco warehouses to full performance halls. Artists in the Bronx have ecologically cleansed riverside parks. Similar artistic community projects are springing up in Michigan. Traverse Citiy s abandoned state hospital and Northern Michigan Asylum were recently transformed into a cultural hub called the Traverse City Commons (see below). (Minervini, 2008) Encouragement for Creative Organizations Far from being a costly and frivolous endeavor, art programs offer a hand in revitalizing impoverished communities (Princeton University, 2002). Where you find artists you also find stimulated students and workers, enthusiastic visitors, new businesses, and young residents (Guerra, & Norris, 2011). Michigan is most definitely facing challenges. However, these challenges are not a reason to eliminate the Arts. In fact, there is no better time than now for Michigan to support the Arts, humanities, and creative organizations. Page 2
Investments in artistic and creative initiatives will positively impact Michigan Communities, particularly if such initiatives: of San Francisco and New York City. Serve working writers and artists Organizations that support, publicize, and serve working writers can dramatically impact morale among the profession. This is especially important since writers and artists have the highest unemployment amongst educated individuals. Support artistic programs in educational settings With dramatic budget cuts for art education, artistic organizations can help provide needed creative outlets in educational settings. Provide development of creative as well as analytical skills As employers increasingly seek employees with both creative and analytical capabilities, organizations that provide creative development to technical individuals can help build skills for employment. Operate in economically impoverished communities Art organizations located in impoverished settings have the potential to transform and revitalize communities (as witnessed in Traverse City, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.) PANK Magazine: A Rising Creative Organization in Michigan PANK is an organization that is devoted to helping struggling communities and educational systems through their artistic work. PANK Magazine was founded in 2006 to act as a publisher for working writers who are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. PANK holds a unique position as one of the only prolific publishers of experimental literature in the Midwest, with a mission and scope that is generally confined to the literary hubs Page 3 PANK s mission is three fold: 1: To provide a venue for contemporary and experimental writers to publish and promote their work 2: To provide greater access to progressive and experimental writing across multiple delivery platforms from readers around the globe 3: To work within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to expand the presence of contemporary, diverse literature *PANK has 501 (c) (3) status and is affiliated with Michigan Technological University, a non-profit public institution of postsecondary education in Houghton, MI. Commitment to serving writers At the top of PANK s mission rests their core value: a commitment to serve a diverse array of working writers by publishing and promoting their work. PANK believes that writers and artists deserve to be paid for their work. (Seigel, 2011). It is PANKS goal to sustainably compensate artists and writers for their creations, though they are often unable to do so as a result of meager funding. PANK receives over 5,000 submissions each year and has an acceptance rate below 3%. Despite receiving thousands of submissions, PANK takes the time to give
thoughtful and personal feedback to each writer that submits. PANK also makes an effort to publish revised submissions (Seigel, 2011). Commitment to serving local community PANK is strongly committed to expanding the presence of contemporary, diverse, literary voices within their local community. PANK embodies this commitment by: Providing space, funds and volunteers for community poetry readings and competitions (see below) Commitment to serving an impoverished community PANK is located in Houghton, MI, where it serves a local audience of about 2,000 readers. As of the 2000 census, there were 7,010 people residing in the City of Houghton. As of 2008, the average per capita income in Houghton was $15,078, a mere 37% of the national per capita average of $ 40,673. (US Census Bureau, 2010) PANK provides local access to experimental literature that residents would otherwise have to travel out of state to access. PANK is proud to provide artistic opportunities for the unnoticed, underrepresented, or unappreciated voices within their local community. PANK also provides considerable exposure and publicity for their local community and local writers, as they have a national audience of almost 80,000 readers in 139 counties and all US states. Collaborating with the Literary Arts Collective (LAC) of Michigan Tech to promote literary awareness and participation Promoting and participating in events at the Copper Country Community Arts Center, Finlandia University, and Northwind Books Commitment to development of creative aptitude PANK is sponsored by Michigan Technological University, an institution of higher education that prides itself on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Though Michigan Tech has over 220 affiliated organizations, PANK is uniquely positioned as the universities only literary arts organization. As such, PANK allows highly technical students and faculty to gain exposure to diverse literature and develop the creative aptitude necessary to secure jobs. With Extra Funding PANK Could.. Cover Operational costs PANK operates on an annual budget of $10,000. Of the $10,0000, Michigan Technological University provides sustainable funding of approximately $5,000. The additional $5,000 comes from sales of PANK publications and generous donors. With extra funding PANK could allocate donations and sales revenue to operational expansion. PANK could also use extra funding to compensate writers for their work. Page 4
Expand Operations PANK has a strategic goal of doubling their output. PANK is currently on an annual printing schedule and would like to move to bi-annual publishing. Expanding PANK s operations would help them to compete with other literary magazines and enhance their national and international reputation. An increased publishing presence would also present an opportunity to increase sustainable funding through sales and major donors. Increase Outreach PANK regularly volunteers at community arts events. For example, PANK provides a location and volunteer support for community poetry readings. Additional financial assistance would allow PANK to financially support additional community arts programs such as poetry readings and literature contests at their local high schools. Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Financial assistance for PANK can be provided by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, an organization that aims to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 2011). The Michigan Council of the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) states that they award grants to organizations that share one or more of their goals. PANK shares not just one, but five goals with the MCACA. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 2011). The MCACA states that they funds organizations who: 1: Support arts and culture as a catalyst for community revitalization and economic development PANK is committed to publishing only working writers. PANK believes that Art and culture revitalize communities. PANK regularly hosts and supports events, such as poetry readings, that bring visitors, artists, and economic stimulation to their local community. 2: Encourage new, creative and innovative works of art PANK publishes experimental contemporary writing from emerging writers. 3: Increase visibility and awareness of arts and culture PANK is the only literary arts organization on a technological campus and the only Literary Arts magazine in Michigan. As a result, PANK brings visibility to experimental literature in an area that has extremely limited access to similar art forms. Above:A recent publication from PANK s little book series.. 4: Support arts education PANK regularly volunteers for educational arts events. For example, PANK s editors act as judges for writing competitions. PANK staff members also mentor their 20 student volunteers and provide them with a strong understanding of publishing, editing, and design. Page 5
5: Support those who create, present or produce quality arts and cultural projects PANK reviews and publishes quality literature. In addition, they provide thoughtful feedback to all their submissions and help writers revise their work for publication. MCACA Strategic Community Impact The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs seeks to make quality arts and cultural programs and services available to all 83 counties in the State of Michigan. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 2011). MCACA states that they have a particular interest in funding projects in underserved counties. Of the underserved counties they list, four are in the greater Houghton County Area (an area where PANK serves 2,000 people). Conclusion In rough economic times art and cultural programs are needed more than ever. PANK serves artists, the hardest hit by unemployment in economic downturns. They also assist with educational programs, giving artistic opportunities to programs and schools who are faced with decreased artistic budgets. Furthermore, PANK provides economic stimulation in an impoverished community and creative development on a technological campus. With an audience of over 80,000, PANK is truly a leader amongst Michigan s artistic organizations. PANK shares many goals with The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and should consider applying for their program for operational support grant as a way to continue to grow their organization and increase programming in their local community. Because of PANK s high compatibility with MCACA s goals and objectives, PANK should consider applying for MCACA s Program for Operational Support grant. This grant is defined by the following criteria: Only open to arts and culture nonprofit organizations Grant request levels are arranged by tier according to an organization s operating budget. Grant funds support general activities of an organization Request amounts can range from $5,000 to $20,000 (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 2011). MCAAs Operational Support Grant is a fantastic match for PANK because it offers operational funding without requiring the organization to implement a new project. Above: PANK editor M Bartley Seigel Page 6
References Bauerlein, Mark. (2010, March 9). Employers want 18th-century skills. Retrieved from http://chronicle. com/blogs/brainstorm/employers-want-18th-centuryskills/21687 Department of Numbers, (1, January 2011). Michigan state unemployment. Retrieved from http://www. deptofnumbers.com/unemployment/michigan/ Guerra, J, & Norris, K. (2011, January 28). The cost of creativity - a radio documentary. Retrieved from http:// news.michiganradio.org/post/cost-creativity-radiodocumentary# Michigan Economic Development Corporation,(2011). Michigan council for arts and cultural affairs. Retrieved from http://www.themedc.org/arts/ Minervini, Raymond. (2008, February 5). The village at grand traverse commons: rehabilitating historic buildings and creating mixed-use pedestrianfriendly neighborhood. Retrieved from http://www. yourplacegrandtraverse.org/minervini.asp Papova, Maria. (2011, January 31). Research expendituresno right brain left behind: a speed innovation challenge for creative education. Retrieved from http://bigthink.com/ideas/26707orum-2-21-2011. pptx Princeton University. (2002). How arts impact communities. Retrieved from http://www.princeton. edu/~artspol/workpap/wp20%20-%20guetzkow.pdf University of Michigan,. (2008). Art education. Retrieved from http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.burba/ education_budgets_for_art_education US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2010, Feb 17). Artists in a year of recession. Retrieved from www.nea.gov/ research/notes/97.pdf US Census Bureau. (2010, November 4). Michigan state & county quickfacts. Retrieved from http://quickfacts. census.gov/qfd/states/26000.html Seigel, M. (2011). About pank. Retrieved from http:// www.pankmagazine.com/about/ Mroz, Glenn. (2011, February 21). Research expenditures. Retrieved from http://www.mtu.edu/ forum/campus-forum-2-21-2011.pptx National Endowment for the Arts, NEA. (1, March 2009). Artists in a year of recession. Retrieved from http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:vkykgj3 awdyj:www.nea.gov/research/notes/97.pdf+2.+http:// www.nea.gov/research/notes/97.pdf&hl=en&gl=us&pid =bl&srcid=adgeesiicffht0s5hsuv9lq8s1mmosnc XKSweORrpKS-8DyNe81hB7DtuBROU59Ct5RZryO Euj90lWIQM3cDh5gKw9u63mNCUyQ01GvAFnunZc 1EXDzJx0t94KqmFuoA3gua2twNftEy&sig=AHIEtbTH VKMVAAawGzInkgJfDe-sriEd-wployment/michigan/ Page 7
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