The recently formed
Media Arts Coalition of West Michigan will be ready to be the "voice" for the region when film industry funding decisions are made by the legislators.
According to Tamaryn Tobian, a member of the board of directors for the new coalition, the group's first priority is "representing West Michigan interests" with the legislation impacting the film and digital media industry.
Tobian points out that there are other organizations representing the East side of the state and up north, but this will be the first organization here with a 501(c)(4) designation.
The significance of this organization is as much about the timing as their mission. Lansing lawmakers will soon begin crafting how the financial resources will be allocated after a funding cap was announced by Governor Snyder.
"The bill that is in discussion does not have a dollar amount attached, and we want to make sure the criteria is fair," states Tobian, who is optimistic the region can remain competitive within the multi-faceted film industry.
Tobian is also quick to point out that there is no "East vs. West" competition and that the Media Arts Coalition is about collaboration with existing organizations that also advocate for the film industry.
To learn more about the Media Arts Coalition and how to get involved (including membership), you can visit their website
here.
Source: Tamaryn Tobian, Media Arts Coalition
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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