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Art Delicious chair warns state cuts hit festival funding; calls for volunteers and donors
Summary
Don Taylor, chair of the Art Delicious Committee, thanked the city for long‑standing support, said the festival runs on about $25,000 a year, and reported that the Michigan Arts and Culture Council provided no funding this year after previously averaging about $10,000—urging new donors and volunteers to sustain the event.
Don Taylor, chair of the Art Delicious Committee, briefed the Adrian City Commission on Oct. 6 about this year's festival turnout, staffing and funding challenges.
Taylor said the volunteer‑run event drew a good crowd despite rain on Sunday and noted the festival's approximate annual budget of $25,000, funded by artist fees, food‑vendor fees, donations and local partners. He told commissioners the Michigan Arts and Culture Council had historically contributed about $10,000 annually but that the committee received no state funding this year, saying 'there is no money in the state budget for arts and culture' and calling the loss unacceptable. Taylor urged the city and community to broaden the donor base and recruit more volunteers to keep the event affordable and viable.
Commissioners and staff were praised by Taylor for logistical support, including police, parks, DPW and the city clerk's office. Taylor said he will step down as chair after 15 years but will remain involved in a supporting role.
The commission acknowledged the festival's community role and volunteers; no direct funding decision was recorded at the meeting. Taylor's remarks flagged a potential funding gap that would require local response to maintain the festival at current levels.
