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Hats off to Emily Lanctot for her selection to serve on the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Her appointment brings to the council an experienced arts professional, educator and advocate whose work reflects the important role that art and culture play in building vibrant communities.
Lanctot serves as director and curator of the DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University, where she also is a continuing contingent professor in the School of Art. In these roles, she contributes to both the presentation of visual arts and the education of future generations of artists and creative thinkers. Her experience offers a valuable perspective on how arts institutions can connect people with culture, encourage creativity and make artistic experiences part of everyday community life.
Her qualifications extend well beyond her current positions. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and design, Lanctot went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in interdisciplinary studio art from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also holds a copyright certificate from Harvard University. Her previous service on the Marquette Arts and Culture Advisory Committee further demonstrates her involvement in strengthening the cultural life of the region.
That combination of education, professional experience and local involvement makes her appointment particularly meaningful for the Upper Peninsula. Too often, conversations about statewide initiatives can be dominated by the experiences and perspectives of larger metropolitan areas.
The Michigan Arts and Culture Council has an important mission: to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity throughout the state. Its vision is one in which every Michigan resident celebrates the state’s cultural treasures and has access to arts and cultural experiences.
Achieving that vision requires more than supporting major museums and established cultural institutions. It means recognizing the importance of community galleries, local artists, university programs, regional museums, public art and the many grassroots organizations that bring creativity to communities of every size. It also means working to make cultural opportunities accessible to people regardless of where they live or what their economic circumstances may be.
The Upper Peninsula has a rich cultural identity, shaped by its history, landscapes, diverse communities and generations of artists and craftspeople. Its museums, galleries, festivals and educational institutions contribute significantly to that identity. Lanctot understands this cultural landscape and the importance of preserving and promoting it while making room for new ideas and creative expression.
Her appointment, which began Oct. 29 and runs through Sept. 1, 2028, gives her an opportunity to bring that regional perspective to statewide discussions and decisions.