Resolution No. 4474 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~, J J n :1 our community's visitors as they come to know this location as the "Arts District" just as the area surrounding :1 Eugene's Fifth Street Market has become known as the Market District. Based on current locations of arts- related activities, a foundation for such a district may presently exist. How- ever. it needs to be identified, devel- oped and promoted as such. How Do WE GET THERE? GOAL I: INCREASE ACCESS TO, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AND INVOLVE- MENT IN THE ARTS BY REGIONAL AND LOCAL CITIZENS. Art is a two step process: the creation of a work and the presentation of it which allows others to participate. Both are vital to the life of our community. Approximately 220,000 people call Eugene-Springfield home, and the uniqueness of our citizenry makes this area a goldmine of opportunity for leaders with an artistic vision. Art communicates and allows others to experience the excitement of artistic creation and insight. The arts can open our eyes to see things in a new way, to envision the unknown and to create solutions for problems. If we focus our collective attention and resources for the arts in a cooperative and strategic manner, the benefits for us and our community will be unlimited. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS Strengthen volunteer participation and leadership in the arts Artists create the work, but often it is volunteers' time and energy that make things happen in the community: Each volunteer task is important, from the teenager who distributes event posters to the businessperson serving on an arts organization's board of directors,. In order to keep this spirit alive and growing, arts organizations and arts- related activities must enhance volun- teer experience. More efforts need to be made, not only to thank these people, but also to create a forum where they share ideas and become even more informed about the arts. 8 Design and implement a public relations plan for the arts A unified public relations effort by the arts community will communicate the positive benefits of the arts and increase awareness and understanding of them. Numerous opportunities exist for involvement in the arts, but many area residents are not yet aware of them. This action will help strengthen volunteer participation and leadership. Explore opportunities and encourage efforts to establish an arts district An Arts district would provide an area where artists could work, rehearse and display their art, and also serve as an educational site for students, appren- tices and observers. Included would be studios, galleries. classrooms. rehearsal spaces and possibly an artist resource center. This core area would also draw '1 i ~ 1 i 1 Develop an accessible comprehensive source for arts information The Eugene-Springfield area has an abundance of arts offerings. Providing a central resource for all arts information - where people can find out about performances, festivals, gallery offerings, volunteer and educational opportunities, etc. - will help eliminate public confusion and make the arts more user- friendly and accessible for everyone. Lane Arts Council already functions as a clearinghouse and is working to increase its database and establish a broader network with the arts community. It may begin with a telephone hotline, but develop into an information source through the use of new technologies. Utilize unusual. spaces for arts experiences and productions By putting art where people would not normally expect it, they can see that art can be anywhere... and everywhere! Imagine going to the grocery store or bank or the Deparnnent of Motor Vehicles office to find a strolling musdan or an artist working at his or her craft.