Last spring and summer we posted a series of articles describing what we believe is missing or needed to develop a more vibrant and diverse arts scene in the Farmington/Farmington Hills community (including a performing arts center, summer music festival, additional public art, and more).

A (perceived) obstacle for some of these initiatives is lack of funding. Well, an interesting post at the Americans for the Arts blog provides some interesting context:

In 2014, Lanesboro Arts programming drew in more than 180 volunteers, 300 artists, and 31,000 audience members. Last year, Lanesboro Arts was also awarded a $123,000 Bush Prize for Community Innovation, and completed a $850,000 capital campaign for Phase I of the Arts Campus.

Lanesboro, Minnesota has a population of 754.

Yes, you read that correctly.

754.

Or about 91,000 fewer residents than the Farmington/Farmington Hills community.

I think we can come up with the financial resources if we really want to make great things happen.

Are you in?