Richmond Brainstorm

The Citizens' Advisory Committee for Comprehensive Planning has asked us to study the feasibility of a central organization that could support the arts and culture of our county. It could provide a powerful web site to identify artistic and cultural places and events, identify artists and others engaged in creative activity, and host a common events calendar. It could look for grant opportunities, seek grant support and help individuals and organizations to seek grants when they could use help doing the necessary research and proposal writing. It could support the welcoming of newcomers to our community and help get them engaged in creative activities and the support of our arts and cultural organizations. Roughly, the idea is parallel to but broader than "Arts Councils" in other communities. Some have suggested that it be called a "Creative Industries Council" to emphasize that creativity is alive and well in our community and includes but extends far beyond the traditional organizations that support the performing arts. The Creative Industries name also calls attention to the significant economic impact of the collection of creative industries on our community. For example, lots of jobs, tourism dollars, attractiveness of the community for those who could work in many other places if they chose, and tax revenues are related to the strength and extent of community arts and culture. 

Conversations so far (over the last few months) suggest that there is considerable enthusiasm for this idea among those who are involved in and support the arts here, and among those who are involved in trying to attact scarce-skills professionals, as well as businesses, to Wayne County.

Have you suggestions concerning the nature and role of such a council? Would you like to be involved in planning and creating it? What services would you think especially valuable as a part of its mission?