CultureSpark: Erie County Cultural Plan
ArtsErie is pleased to announce the completion of a cultural planning process designed to identify the issues, strengths and challenges for cultural development throughout Erie County. Through this process, named CultureSpark, we will engage civic and cultural leaders and members of the community at large in dialogue about the role, value and outcomes of cultural development. We expect to gain consensus on strategies to optimize cultural development as a resource for community revitalization and economic development, in addition to enhancing community identity, vibrancy and quality of life.
Our process will be facilitated by Bill Bulick of Creative Planning, Portland, Ore. Bulick will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, facilitate community dialog and develop the Cultural Master Plan. Research will take the form of key interviews, focus groups and surveys. The final plan will incorporate our vision, goals with specific strategies, expected outcomes, proposed implementation responsibilities and timelines, and a process to review implementation progress.
Assisting in the process will be Surale Phillips of Decision Support Partners, Bozeman, Mont. Using the basics of geodemography, which studies the demographic characteristics of individuals in a particular location, Phillips will be responsible for data analysis, resulting in ideas for arts and cultural organizations to jump-start how to think about marketing, message, tactics and partnerships.
The planning process began in May 2009 and is expected to conclude in April 2010. Participation on a community-wide basis is encouraged. Contact Charlotte P. Mashyna, Executive Director, ArtsErie or Allison Counasse, Marketing Associate, ArtsErie at 452-3427 for more information.
Click here to visit the CultureSpark website.
Click here to become a fan of the CultureSpark Facebook page.
