NW Michigan Art & Culture Summit

The NWMI Art & Culture Summit is the gathering for our region's creative community and showcase of our art and culture.

This year, we’ve reimagined the Summit as a dynamic, two-day, multi-venue festival in the heart of downtown Traverse City. With a primary focus to create space to build meaningful relationships with other creative folks like you, we will celebrate our region's cultural landscape with inspiring keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and art-filled experiences.

Whether you’re a returning participant or joining us for the first time, the 2025 Summit is your time to connect with fellow creative spirits and discover new ways to collaborate and grow. Let’s gather, learn, and spark new ideas together!

Not a member yet - join today for 25% off the public registration rate.

Info: Early Registration at Park Place Hotel

Info: For all the arts and culture nonprofit administrators, fundraisers, managers, this block is for you! Admin Academy will take place at the Park Place, and include 3 tracks of workshops and panels designed to help you enhance your work, increase your capacity, and build social capital.

Info: Gather at the Opera House with fellow arts leaders to network with elected officials, community builders, civic leaders and culture-bearers. This gathering will feature a brief time of sharing from the creative community on how policymakers and budget-builders can best support the creative sector.

Info: Check in at the registration table, grab a drink in the Towsley Lobby and enjoy some time with getting to know other kindred spirits from the arts and culture community.

Info: Gather together in the Opera House auditorium for a welcome session with NWMI Arts & Culture Network. Expect a bit of inspiration, performances to set the stage for the weekend, and plenty of social time to enjoy with your creative peers.

Info: Start the day right with a cup of coffee and a visit with new friends. Enjoy complimentary coffee and mingling at the Opera House lobby prior to our first keynote session.

Info: Prepare to be inspired as local performances showcase the regions talent, and an inspiring keynote from Detroit arts leader Nafeesah Symonette sets us up for a vibrant day!

Info: So much to take in during the mid-day portion of the event! Artist talks, panels, presentations, hands-on activities, and practical educational workshops to enhance your creative practice or cultural nonprofit.

Info: Reconvene at the Opera House for our final gathering of the Summit. Expect a few surprises, along with an inspiring keynote from author / producer / artist Brad Montague that will send us off fired up to take the creative energy back to our towns.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Traverse City, United States