About
Mission
Beacon Arts Michigan engages premier artists to perform in rural communities across Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, fostering artistic exchange, providing educational opportunities for young artists, commissioning new works, celebrating regional artistic heritage, and strengthening community engagement through the arts.
Vision
Beacon Arts Michigan exists to enrich rural communities across Michigan by presenting high-quality artistic performances and educational outreach. Rooted in a legacy of regional chamber music and community engagement, the organization brings premier artists to underserved areas in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Through collaborative programming—including concerts, youth education, artist residencies, and commissioned works—Beacon Arts Michigan fosters artistic exchange, celebrates Michigan’s cultural diversity, and strengthens connections between artists and communities. Its purpose is to ensure that the transformative power of the arts remains accessible, relevant, and deeply rooted in regional heritage.
Beacon Arts Michigan continues the work of visionary leaders who brought chamber music to the Upper Peninsula starting in 1968. Under the leadership of Emily Olson, President and Artistic Director, the organization expands this legacy with a focus on accessibility, collaboration, and innovation. Emily’s extensive experience in classical performance, nonprofit leadership, and therapeutic music underscores her commitment to using the arts as a bridge between communities.
Beacon Arts Michigan is not only preserving a treasured artistic heritage—it is cultivating a vibrant future for the arts across Michigan.
Chamber Concerts
Beacon Arts Michigan partners with community organizations to present high-quality performances by professional artists from Southeast Michigan. These collaborations build on existing community traditions while introducing new artistic voices and expanding regional access to live chamber music. Honoring the legacy of historic concert series such as the Manistique Community Concerts and Strings on the Bay in Escanaba, Beacon Arts Michigan undertakes archival projects and storytelling initiatives to preserve and celebrate each region’s rich musical heritage. These efforts ensure that the contributions of past generations continue to inspire and inform future artistic endeavors.
Educational Outreach
Through workshops, masterclasses, and school visits, Beacon Arts Michigan engages youth and community members in meaningful music education experiences. These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of musicians, foster artistic curiosity, and strengthen connections between artists and local schools.
Community Engagement
Beacon Arts Michigan facilitates artist residencies and collaborative projects with civic and community arts organizations. These initiatives promote cross-sector partnerships, encourage creative exchange, and support the development of locally rooted cultural programming.
Commissioning New Works
Beacon Arts Michigan actively commissions new artistic works that reflect the diverse cultural landscapes of Michigan. These commissions prioritize projects that honor regional stories and heritage, ensuring that new creations resonate deeply with local audiences. By supporting the development of innovative new works, Beacon Arts Michigan not only contributes to the contemporary arts scene but also cultivates artistic growth and provides unique cultural experiences for communities across the state.