The Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center (ACWL-Nuveen) is calling on the community to speak up for the arts as Michigan legislators finalize the state’s FY2026 budget. In late August, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a version of the budget that eliminates funding for the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC)—a source of crucial financial support for ACWL-Nuveen and many other nonprofit arts organizations across the state.
Why This Matters
In 2025 alone, ACWL-Nuveen received $17,500 in MACC support, a substantial amount for a nonprofit of its size. These dollars go toward general operations, meaning they touch every aspect of ACWL-Nuveen’s work—from free summer concerts to arts education classes and community events.
Director Erin Peyer explained:
“The funding we get through MACC supports general operations—it doesn’t go toward one specific program, but really touches everything we do. We won’t have to cancel the concert series or classes right away, but we may need to make classes less frequent, more expensive, and find new ways to raise money for our most expensive program—the Summer Concert Series.”
When to Act
The Michigan House and Senate must pass a state budget by October 1. If they fail to do so, a government shutdown could occur. Lawmakers could finalize the budget at any time before then, which means the sooner residents act, the better.
What’s at Risk Locally
Without restored MACC funding, the community could see:
- Arts education classes reduced or more expensive.
- Free opportunities replaced with fees—including programs like Youth and Adult Open Studio and the upcoming Carved Pumpkin Open Studio.
- The elimination of “pay-what-you-can” options for classes with higher materials costs, making them less accessible.
These changes would deeply affect ACWL-Nuveen’s mission to provide accessible arts opportunities for all.
ACWL-Nuveen’s Role in Community Vitality
From the Summer Concert Series at the Montague Bandshell to classes, exhibitions, and retail galleries, ACWL-Nuveen enriches everyday life in Montague and Whitehall. The organization is also a cornerstone of larger events such as the Arts & Crafts Festival, Pumpkinfest, and Walk the Beat.
One recent example of their impact is the Colby Street Pocket Park mural project, spearheaded by ACWL-Nuveen. The project has already generated excitement and energy in downtown Whitehall and is poised to add vibrancy to the community for years to come.
The Human Side of Funding
MACC support allows ACWL-Nuveen to make transformative programming possible. Peyer pointed to their partnership with printmaker and ceramicist Lee Ann Frame as a prime example.
A specialized printmaking class initially struggled to enroll enough students due to its high cost. Thanks to general operating support, ACWL-Nuveen offered a “pay-what-you-can” model, making the class accessible at $50 or $100 instead of the full $150. Enough students enrolled to cover costs, and since then, Frame’s classes have become a beloved, recurring part of the ACWL calendar—often selling out within a week.
“This is exactly the kind of ripple effect MACC funding makes possible,” Peyer said.
How to Help
Community members are encouraged to contact state legislators now to urge them to restore funding for the Michigan Arts and Culture Council before the budget is finalized. ACWL-Nuveen has prepared a draft letter to make the process simple.
➡️ Access the letter here: ACWL Letter to Legislators
Simply copy, paste, and personalize it with your own information. Contact information for state legislators is included within the document.
Now is the time to act. Your voice can make the difference in ensuring that the White Lake community continues to benefit from accessible, inspiring, and vibrant arts programming.
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