Mather Elementary has been awarded a grant of up to $500 to cover the cost of two bus trips from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). The grant was awarded through the MACC peer review process and was one of 711 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2024 funding.

Third, fourth and fifth graders attended a matinee performance of A Christmas Carol at NMU’s Forest Roberts Theatre in Marquette with the help of the MACC grant. The tickets to the play were funded by Miles for Mather.

“I’m sincerely grateful to the MACC for helping make it possible for our children to enjoy a timeless holiday cultural experience. I applaud the dedicated efforts that went into bringing this opportunity to Munising students, nurturing a love for the arts and creating lasting memories for these young minds. State support for arts and culture reflects our state’s commitment to fostering vibrant communities and enhancing the richness and quality of life for all who call Michigan home,” said state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette).

The students enjoyed the play. One student stated, “It was a play about Scrooge and had all the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The play was exciting because it had real people. I paid attention to Scrooge. He is my favorite character.”

The MACC peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all othervisitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.

A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MACC at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MACC website at www. michigan.gov/arts.