June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and this year, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on what that means—not just for me as an Armenian-American, but for the entire creative community here in Michigan.

Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially proclaimed June as Immigrant Heritage Month in Michigan, recognizing the powerful role immigrants play in shaping our economy, communities, and culture. That proclamation felt especially meaningful to me—not only because of my own family’s journey, but because of the countless immigrant artists I’ve met, collaborated with, and admired throughout my life.

Michigan’s creative landscape is rich, diverse, and deeply influenced by immigrants. Musicians who bring the rhythms of their homelands to our stages. Visual artists who blend ancient traditions with modern technique. Writers, dancers, filmmakers—each using their craft to share pieces of themselves, their histories, and their dreams for the future.

These artists don’t just create—they preserve. They carry culture. And in many ways, they remind us where we came from and where we’re going.

As someone who has spent decades performing traditional Armenian music, I understand the weight and responsibility of carrying culture through sound. I’ve seen firsthand how music becomes memory—and how storytelling through the arts can ensure that heritage lives on, even generations later.

But let’s be honest: the road isn’t always easy for immigrant artists.

Barriers like language, lack of funding, immigration status, and access to healthcare or transportation can make it difficult for artists to gain visibility or sustainability. Some creatives can’t access grants because of documentation status. Others can’t tour because they don’t have access to a driver’s license. These aren’t just policy issues—they’re barriers to cultural expression.

And yet, immigrant artists persist. They innovate. They find community. They make Michigan a better, more vibrant place.

That’s why this month isn’t just about celebration—it’s about support and action.

Support immigrant artists by attending their shows, purchasing their work, or amplifying their voices online. Advocate for more inclusive arts policies. Tell their stories. Learn from them.

And most of all, listen.

In the end, the arts are where we find shared humanity. They are where the immigrant experience isn’t reduced to politics or headlines, but elevated into something lasting—something beautiful.

This Immigrant Heritage Month, I honor the artists who’ve crossed oceans and borders to share their creativity with the world. I honor my own family’s journey. And I honor the belief that everyone—no matter where they come from—deserves a place in Michigan’s creative story.

Check out the companion podcast episode on Michigan Creates: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318589/episodes/17363919