We believe in the power of the arts to connect, inspire and transform, and this past season proved just how true that can be. From growing enrollment and new community partnerships to expanded access and unforgettable performances, the momentum was real.

The following report sums up a year of meaningful progress and sets the stage for what’s to come. Thanks to your continued support, we’re entering a new season full of possibilities that promise to be even more impactful, inclusive and inspiring.

Welcome New Trustee Karen Anway
This year, we welcomed Karen Anway to the Board of Trustees. Anway, together with her husband Terry, is already a loyal patron, donor and FSO Chair Sponsor. She is Chair of the FIM Wine Dinner Committee and a very active participant in the Flint Cultural Center. We’re grateful for the dedication and professional expertise she brings with her.

Return of the Pink Geranium Luncheon
We welcomed back a long-time tradition hosted by Allegro, the official FIM volunteer organization. The Pink Geranium Luncheon & Annual Flower Sale was held on May 21 at Woodfield Captain’s Club Golf & Event Center and featured a fashion show from treasured Grand Blanc boutique clothier, Kim Rose. All proceeds aided Allegro in their effort to support FIM programs.

Flint Rep Makes Dramatic Changes
The number of programs at Flint Rep might be lower than usual, but only because of some very exciting changes! We welcomed Interim Artistic Director Nicole Samsel mid-season and began to prep Bower Theatre for long-awaited construction. (Read more here)

FSO Brings Classics to the Lawn
FSO musicians weren’t just limited to classical concerts, but had opportunities to move into the community, including the annual FSO/FSPA Chamber Series on the Lawn. The popular summer series is free to the public and invites new audience members to experience the joy of classical music from the lawn of MacArthur Recital Hall.

Fleckenstein Garden Makes a Beautiful Comeback
Thanks to a Capital Improvement grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation, the beautiful Fleckenstein Garden at Whiting Auditorium has been restored. The project included repairs to correct water drainage issues, improve safety, and the restoration and enhancement of the original space, which had not been used for events in years. FIM Trustees rededicated the garden on Nov. 9 prior to the FSO classical concert. John Fleckenstein, FIM Trustee and son of June Fleckenstein, the garden’s original benefactor, hosted a special ribbon cutting event and reception to honor his mother and officially reopen the space. He was joined by two of his children, Ashley and John, and an audience of friends and donors to celebrate the occasion.

Building Creative Futures FIM Awarded Grant for Arts, Wellness and Access
The Hurand family name is well known in Flint, synonymous with generosity and a deep-rooted commitment to community. Robert Hurand, one of six children of Art and Bess Hurand, continues that legacy as co-chair of the Ben F. Bryer Foundation — named in honor of his uncle, a beloved physician and passionate advocate for his hometown.

While Robert is an accomplished athlete, not a musician, the arts have always been central in the Hurand household. His mother, Bess, was deeply involved at the Flint Institute of Arts as a dedicated docent and volunteer for many years, instilling in her children a lifelong appreciation for the arts. His brother, Jeff, still plays in a local rock band, the Urban Nomads, while siblings Gary and Lynne are loyal supporters of the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Lynne also serves on the FIA and FIM Boards of Trustees and introduced Robert to the youth-centered programs of FSPA.

Inspired by what he learned, Robert championed FIM to the Bryer Foundation board, emphasizing the vital role of the arts in a holistic education. Though the Foundation has traditionally focused on medical and scientific advancement — funding institutions like UM-Flint, MSU, Kettering, and the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library — FIM is honored to be the first arts organization ever to receive a grant.

The $50,000 award will support key initiatives at FSPA including the Music Therapy program, which promotes emotional and mental wellness across all ages, aligning perfectly with the Foundation’s health-centered mission.

Thanks to generous funding from the A.G. Bishop Charitable Trust and the C.S. Mott Foundation, hundreds of school children from Flint and Genesee County are invited to experience Flint Rep matinee performances as well as professional programming at Whiting Auditorium throughout the course of the school year.

Mason Elementary School of Grand Blanc brought all grades to see the May presentation of Charlotte’s Web at Whiting Auditorium. The whole school had read the children’s book for reading month in March, and Jennifer Guenther, a third-grade teacher at Mason, says there is no better way to help the kids make connections to the text.

“Not to mention,” she added, “most of these kids would never have had the opportunity to go to the theatre. Some have never even been on a field trip before. It’s great to expose them to new experiences and opportunities they may not get outside of school.”

“I really appreciate KidsTix, my grandson studies piano at FIM and likes to go to the orchestra concerts. Without KidsTix I don’t know that we would be able to do that. Thank you and we appreciate it.”
— KidsTix participant

The kid tix this year allowed me to take all 4 of my children to see a Broadway musical together that I otherwise would not have been able to experience with them all together. Thank you!!!!
— KidsTix participant

One of the 14 new music therapy partners included Motherly Intercession, a local nonprofit that supports families of incarcerated individuals. This partnership took advantage of the new Jailhouse Recording Studio, Inspired by Jellyroll and Powered by the UAW, to participate in the Carnegie Lullaby Project. Pregnant mothers in the Genesee County Jail, as well as those with children at home, worked with music therapists to write unique songs for their children and unborn babies, and used the recording studio, installed by FIM last year, to cut professional tracks.