Mohawk Valley Residents Come Together
Date Posted: October 28th, 2008
Mohawk Valley Residents Come Together for Cultural Blueprints Public Forum Promotes Integrated Cultural, Economic and Community Development Strategies
Professionals in the arts, community and economic development, education, philanthropy, and business met today in the Mohawk Valley region to participate in Cultural Blueprints, a public forum established by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to promote integrated arts, economic and community development strategies. The Cultural Blueprints session was designed to foster a cross-sector, solutions-oriented conversation. The Mohawk Valley region, as defined by the economic development sector, includes Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie.
At the opening session, NYSCA Executive Director Heather Hitchens said, "In this time of economic contraction, it is more important than ever that we bring together leaders from every sector to spur private-public partnerships, generate sound policy and identify innovative solutions. This initiative is the beginning of ensuring that the arts are part of every community and economic development plan and that the state has a sound arts strategy."
NYSCA worked with the Stanley Center for the Arts, Empire State Development's Mohawk Valley Office, and I LOVE NY to bring together arts professionals, economic development experts, public officials, artists and business, education, philanthropic and community leaders to focus on five key areas: Image and Identity, Infrastructure, Intellectual Capital and Workforce Development, International and Global Thinking, and Investment and Financial Models.
"Here in the Mohawk Valley, we are fortunate to have such a vibrant arts community with so much to offer to visitors and to those of us who live here," said Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D-district 116). "Cultural Blueprints give us a chance to look at the assets in the region and find opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to encourage growth in tourism and economic development in our region. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it is the development from the bottom up of specific goals for each of the economic development regions across New York State, including our own Mohawk Valley region."
Assemblyman David Townsend, Jr. (R-district 115) said, "A cultural center is vital to the quality of life in a community and we are fortunate enough to live in a region that is rich with history and culture. Those assets along with the area's vast natural resources need to be promoted beyond the region. By coming together today for the Cultural Blueprints with leaders from the six counties, we are collectively starting that process."
Assemblyman Marc Butler (R-district 117) said, "We'll be going back to Albany to talk about cuts in the next few weeks. We have to be clear that arts are not fringe activities - they are important in our community, they are important to attracting people to come live in this region and to its quality of life. The arts and culture in this area, such as the Stanley Theatre and Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute are a model for what we can do throughout the region, and Cultural Blueprints is an important vehicle for identifying new opportunities and partnerships."
Oneida County Executive Tony Picente said, "Arts and culture are the soul of a community and the essence of economic development. The information that comes from the planning session is very important and will help shape what the people want this community to be. Creating an arts strategy is an integral piece of an economic development plan and County government is a supportive partner in this endeavor." Robert D. Sullivan, Commissioner of Urban and Economic Development for the City of Utica, and Delores Caruso, Governor Paterson's Regional Representative, also addressed the gathering.
Five facilitated break-out sessions gave everyone in attendance the chance to begin identifying opportunities and action steps to strengthen the region's cultural infrastructure and promote economic growth. Areas of discussion included arts/business collaborations, cross-sector marketing, increased signage on bike paths for cultural attractions and amenities, enhancing transportation and parking for cultural events, and regional branding and promotion. Some of the immediate outcomes that emerged from the Cultural Blueprints session include:
- NYSCA will share the Cultural Blueprints summary and potential actions with other State agencies, including Empire State Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, I LOVE NEW YORK and the State University of New York to consider potential collaborations in such areas as intellectual capital and workforce development, affordable artist housing, cultural sector promotion and cultural sector participation in regional planning efforts.
- The Stanley Center for the Arts will initiate a series of "Mini Blueprints" sessions in communities across the region that will inform their strategic planning efforts.
- NYSCA and the Stanley Center for the Arts will reach out to local and regional tourism professionals and agencies to identify the most effective strategies for attracting visitors to the region.
In addition, NYSCA has created a Cultural Blueprints website, featuring summaries of the Mohawk Valley discussions and the opportunity to participate in an ongoing, public conversation about potential solutions and ways to strengthen the region. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts at: www.culturalblueprints.co.cc.
