Music on the porch in May, a Shakespeare play in August, and a community talent show in January, are among the visions of a new nonprofit, the Milan Arts Project.
A group of singers, song writers, performers, writers, plus culinary and visual artists have been meeting since November 2025, sharing ideas of the types of art they’d like to see in Milan. On Thursday March 12, those individuals organized themselves into what is likely Milan’s newest nonprofit.
First three projects
Milan High School graduate and musician Lauren Blackford, agreed to serve as co-chair of the group.
“I have some time on my hands,” Blackford said. “I’ve been performing as an artist for five years in my community. This community has been very generous to me and this feels like a way to … give back for future artists in Milan.”
Lauren Blackford (above) and Jill Tewsley will co-chair the first board of the Milan Arts Project.
Blackford is also one of three subcommittee leaders. Her group plans to launch “Sidewalk Sessions,” bringing local musicians to perform short, acoustic sets in neighborhoods.
The first session is planned for Memorial Day Weekend, May 24, at a porch on First Street. Two to four artists will each perform 20-minute sets while neighbors stroll by or gather.
“We want it to feel really grounded, like you’re just jamming with your neighbors,” Blackford said.
Another committee, Milan Theatre Co. plans to launch a community theater program. Milan Area Schools theater manager Dan Douglas has attended the meetings, expressing enthusiasm for expanding opportunities for students year-round.
The group plans to begin with a Shakespeare production Aug. 26-29. A free audition workshop will be held from 3-5 p.m. April 26 at Wilson Park. Attendance at the workshop is not mandatory to audition for the play.
“The workshop is free, optional and fun,” said Nora Kuzdak, one of the group’s organizers. “Just meant to get people used to the idea of things really and hopefully get some folks signed on for being part of the artistic team as well as those interested in acting.”
Kuzdak, who has a master’s degree in Theatre Practice and Production from the University of Galway in Ireland, said the idea for the community theater was already in the works when they organized the Milan Arts Project and so they are the furthest along of the groups. Michele McGovern and Holly Forbis have also been leading the project.
“We will be our own group soon,” Kuzdak said, noting that the Milan Arts Projects helps groups get started with support and connections.
A third group, led by Holly Forbis, plans to host smaller “no-talent talent shows” this summer to build interest ahead of a large, “Milan’s Got Talent” event in early January at the high school.
Organizers are also exploring other ideas, including a community -made mosaic to raise funds and a possible city sculpture.
On March 12, the Milan Arts Project approved bylaws, agreed to set up as a nonprofit entity, and elected an eight-member Board of Trustees, including (l-r) Nora Kuzdak, Lauren Blackford (Co-Chair), Jill Tewsley (Co-Chair), Mel Fuller (Vice-Chair), Dave Snyder (Treasurer), Chloe Crowther (Secretary), Holly Forbis. Not pictured-Clara Thiry.
Back story
Milan City Councilman Dave Snyder said the group grew out of conversations he had with Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley about strengthening the local arts scene. While they initially considered organizing under the city, they chose to form an independent nonprofit.
Tewsley played a major role in Milan’s revitalization efforts, including as former executive director of Milan Main Street, organizing 3rdThursdays and Live from Tolan Square music events. However, she said this group is separate from her work. It stems from her long love of the arts and her children’s involvement in arts, dance and theater in Milan. She’s glad to have a diversity of ages in the leadership.
“We were joking that she’s the coach chair and I’m the co-chair,” said Blackford, who is 23. “She’s sort of mentoring me.”
Blackford said the group welcomes anyone interested in supporting the arts. While bylaws are in place, many details are still being developed.
The next meeting is April 9, at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center at 45 Neckel Ct, Milan, MI 48160.
“I’m just excited to see what comes of this,” Blackford said.
Performers bow after their performance of the school play Cinderella at Milan High School March 13. Those who enjoy theater will soon be able to part of a community theater program, open to Milan students, along with those who attend charter or private schools.