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THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 · ESCANABA, MI

CREATIVE CAPACITY

CULTIVATING CAPABILITY IN ARTS AND CULTURE

Reception September 26, 2025 · 5:00-7:00pm · Escanaba, MI (Venue TBA)

Conference September 27, 2025 · 10:00am-5:00pm · Bay College, Escanaba, MI

Registration will open in June 2025.
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delaney_christine

Keynote Speaker

Christine Delaney

Executive Director, Tibbits Opera House

At Tibbits Opera House, one of Michigan’s oldest historic theatres, built in 1882, Christine Delaney has overseen operations, fundraising, and programming, for over 30 years, raising $4.3 million for the theatre's ongoing restoration.

Now accepting proposals for presentations & panels

Request for Proposals: Breakout Sessions at the Third Annual Conference of the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance

The Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance invites proposals for breakout sessions at our Third Annual Conference, themed Creative Capacity: Cultivating Capability in Arts and Culture. The conference will focus on providing tools and strategies to strengthen and sustain arts and culture nonprofits, organizations, and individuals in the Upper Peninsula.

We are accepting proposals for two session formats:

Solo or Group Presentations: Focus on specific topics or case studies, offering practical knowledge, actionable strategies, and inspiration.

Moderated Panel Discussions: Feature a group of experts discussing a key theme or challenge, with an open dialogue to engage both panelists and attendees.

Topics of Interest may include (but are not limited to):

  • Strengthening leadership and governance in arts organizations
  • Grant writing, fundraising, and financial sustainability
  • Community engagement and organizational partnerships/collaboration
  • Organizational and individual capacity building
  • Technology and innovation in arts and culture
  • Economic development, entrepreneurial activity, innovation in arts and culture

Proposal Guidelines:

Deadline for Submissions: May 1, 2025

Session Length: Approx. 50 minutes (including Q&A)

Target Audience: Arts and Culture professionals, including artists,  historians, administrators, community leaders, business owners/managers, etc.

Proposal Requirements: Submit a brief description of your session, including format, objectives, and presenter qualifications. Panel proposals should include some details on each panelist.

How to Submit: Submit proposals using the form below by 11:59pm on May 1, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May 15.

We look forward to your contributions as we work together to build a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture community!

Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance