Drink custom cocktails, support local art: Ann Arbor Art Center’s Artini event returns

This story is part of a series about arts and culture in Washtenaw County. It is made possible by the Ann Arbor Art Center, Destination Ann Arbor, Larry and Lucie Nisson, the University of Michigan Arts Initiative, and the University Musical Society.

The Ann Arbor Art Center’s (A2AC) annual Artini fundraiser returns to downtown Ann Arbor on June 20, bringing arts lovers together for an evening of cocktails, creativity, and support for cultural programming. Now in its 17th year, Artini has grown into one of A2AC’s signature fundraising events. 

Participants will receive seven drink tickets to redeem for specialty cocktails or mocktails created by 13 participating downtown businesses, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit arts center and its community programs.

According to A2AC Executive Director Jenn Queen, the event’s continued growth reflects both strong community support and enthusiasm from local hospitality businesses.

“It’s really grown over the years,” Queen says. “It’s a really great way to bring people into our hospitality businesses who might not otherwise go in.”

This year’s event will feature more participating bars than ever before, including several newer downtown establishments. Queen says organizers have also placed an increased emphasis on accessibility, noting that nearly all participating venues will offer nonalcoholic mocktails alongside their cocktail creations.

A longstanding highlight of Artini is the friendly competition among participating venues as they vie for the event’s People’s Choice Award. Queen says bartenders and restaurant staff often embrace the artistic spirit of the fundraiser by creating imaginative drinks and memorable guest experiences.

“They really go all out to create a great experience for our guests,” Queen says. “They make it fun and playful.”

While Artini offers attendees the opportunity to explore downtown Ann Arbor’s social scene, Queen emphasizes that the event’s impact extends far beyond a night out.

Funds raised through Artini help the Ann Arbor Art Center maintain affordable classes, workshops, summer camps, and community arts programming at a time when operating costs continue to rise. The organization also uses the event to introduce new audiences to its offerings and encourage broader participation in the arts.

“We’re really committed to keeping our prices lower so families can afford to go to our classes, our workshops, our summer camps,” Queen says. “We’re in it to serve the community, and this is the way that we do that.”

Queen says she hopes first-time attendees will not only discover new restaurants and bars but also gain a deeper appreciation for the public art and creative energy throughout downtown Ann Arbor.

Artini will take place June 20 from 6-10 p.m. in downtown Ann Arbor. Tickets and a full list of participating businesses can be found on A2AC’s website. Participants must be 21 or older to attend.

“Artini is a fun night out, but it’s also an entry to art for those who may not feel like they’re part of our mission yet,” Queen says. “Art means a lot of different things, and however the road leads them to our building is a good one.”