Developing Rockord arts plan: Investing in arts, culture creates economc impact

When it comes to art and culture, some of Rockford's strengths are its diversity, its parks, its architecture and proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee.

Its weaknesses are low public awareness of the city's art scene, inadequate transportation, not enough affordable housing to draw more artists to the area and gaps in arts education particularly at the grade school level.

Those were some of the key findings of the developing Rockford Region Cultural Plan, shared Wednesday evening with about 140 people during the Rockford Area Arts Council's State of Culture event held at Veterans Memorial Hall.

"We want people in Rockford to see themselves and their communities in this plan," said Eve Moros Ortega, director of Lord Cultural Resources, the global cultural consulting firm preparing the plan's report. "I think that's the biggest thing because we really want people to understand — why arts and culture are of a benefit and why we're investing time and money in this."

More: Your turn: The Rockford Area Arts Council looks into 2024 and sees you

The economic impact of arts in other communities such as Akron, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Des Moines, Iowa; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Grand Rapids, Michigan was shared with participants. The communities funded their efforts, Moros Ortega said, by creating funding mechanisms such as general fund appropriations, hotel/motel taxes, a dedicated arts and culture fund, private philanthropy and corporate sponsorships.

"What we're trying to do is give everybody an idea of the data that has been collected from the groups that we've been meeting with through one-on-one interviews and group workshops and focus groups," said Rockford Area Arts Council Executive Director Mary McNamara Bernsten.

Findings from those meetings were shared, including 10 key opportunities areas for Rockford's art community from telling Rockford's story better to providing more inclusive representation of artists and cultural offerings. Participants then broke into small groups and prioritized the 10 opportunities.

The public is invited to chime in as well by visiting the Rockford Area Arts Council's website to view the report and 10 opportunities and provide feedback.

A final report will be released next year.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Developing Rockford area arts and cultural plan shared with residents