Women in the Arts Festival builds bridges and bonds

For nearly 40 years, East Lansing’s annual Women in the Arts Festival has been a space for solidarity that celebrates voices often pushed to the margins, offering a platform for women artists to be heard, seen and celebrated.

“Our mission is rooted in the LGBTQ+ community, especially the lesbian community,” event treasurer Julie Haan said. “It’s always been about showing what women are capable of — organizing, producing and sustaining a festival of this scale. It’s a gathering place for so many women who come together just once a year. It’s hard to explain how powerful that is.”

The festival began as a small gathering in 1985 but has since grown into a regional event that draws attendees from across Michigan and neighboring states.

 “Back in the early days, it was much harder for women to find spaces to showcase their art and music. The festival started as a platform for musicians, especially younger women, to perform in a supportive, welcoming community,” Haan said. 

That welcoming atmosphere has not only kept the festival going but also fueled its expansion with more vendors, national musicians, a vibrant artist market and partnerships with organizations like the Ten Pound Fiddle.

This year’s festival will be held Friday and Saturday (Nov. 8 and 9) at Edgewood United Church. It will feature headline performances both evenings  as well as a day stage highlighting local musicians on Saturday.

“In the past, we had volunteer musicians, but now we’ve grown enough that we can pay them,” Haan said. “Part of our mission is to support local artists, and that includes compensating them for their performances. It’s a way for the community to discover new or established local talent.”

Saturday’s headliner, Holly Near, is a singer-songwriter and activist who’s been interweaving music with social justice for more than five decades.

“I’ve performed in theaters my whole life, but local events like this carry a special personal touch,” Near said. “The audience here has a rich mix of culture and community activism, so we lift each other up.”

Near’s connection to the festival is personal. She works closely with Lansing-based women’s music distribution company Goldenrod Music, one of the event’s organizers.

Photo by Irene Young Saturday’s (Nov. 9) headliner, Holly Near, is a singer-songwriter and activist who’s been interweaving music with social …

“I’m happy to be part of the Women in the Arts Festival,” she said. “The Goldenrod team has supported my work all over the country, and it feels like coming home.”

The festival’s mission aligns closely with Near’s own values. From performing for soldiers resisting the Vietnam War to drawing inspiration from Nina Simone’s unapologetic rage and commitment, Near has always seen music as a tool for change.

“Caring can be hard,” she said. “My work is challenging and filled with humor. We can laugh together, feel deep emotion together and at the same time not fall prey to either depression or false hope.”

Near’s music, much like the festival itself, encourages listeners to stay engaged and compassionate, no matter how challenging the times.

“Music can heal, inspire, challenge, educate and entertain,” she said. “I hope people leave feeling stronger than when they arrived, with a few ideas about how they want to carry on.”

With performers like Near, Haan noted this year’s festival resonates with a particular energy, especially days after a major election.

“Holly’s music touches on social justice issues, which is something our audience cares deeply about. People come to the festival looking to reflect on these issues, and the messages in the music align with that,” she said.

Beyond the music, the festival features a café run by Lansing women’s chorus Sistrum, which has become a social hub where attendees can relax, eat and connect.

“The café has always been a big part of the festival,” Haan said. “It’s a space where people can gather, reconnect and just enjoy being in each other’s company.”

Attendees can also immerse themselves in a lively and eclectic marketplace offering handmade crafts, art and gifts.

“All our vendors are women-owned businesses,” Haan said. “It’s really special to see everyone come together.”

Though rooted in the LGBTQ+ community, the festival offers a warm, inclusive atmosphere open to all. 

“We do have men who attend — some come with Ten Pound Fiddle, so we see couples and more men now, too,” Haan said.

In a world that can often feel divided, Near said festivals like this help build bridges.

“Being part of the world is a recipe for an interesting life,” she said. “We don’t have to be afraid of change or challenge. Instead, we can stay curious, stay connected and keep caring.”