[Forum] Initial survey results

Joshua Field joshua at joshuafield.com
Mon Mar 26 13:08:38 EDT 2007


We've had 19 people respond to the survey. If you haven't participated 
yet - it takes just a couple of minutes if you click here: 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=685553519483

1. Most people were located in North Adams (84%)

2. Most respondents were Artists (58%), Service providers (26%), Arts 
Administrators (21%),  or Gallerists/curators (16%), though we had one 
"Part-Time Exotic Dancer, Wing Commander and Log-Roller"

3. People responded that attracting collectors to the Berkshires was the 
highest priority (42%). People also responded that providing arts 
education was a high priority (32%) followed closely by attracting new 
artists to the Berkshires (29%)

4. Respondents didn't feel that local government/organizations are doing 
a good job with many of the issues discussed. In particular, they felt 
that representation in local government was poor (98%) and business 
training for artists was poor (82%). On a brighter note, 71% felt that 
peer group support and inexpensive housing for artists was satisfactory.

5. Regarding participation in the local art scene, most said they had or 
would participate in North Adams Open Studios (84.2%) and exhibition in 
a local gallery or installations downtown (74%)

   
1. Where are you located (select the closest location)?

Response Percent    Response Total

84.2%    16    North Adams       
5.3%    1    Williamstown       
0%    0    Adams           
0%    0    Pittsfield       
0%    0    Lenox           
0%    0    Stockbridge       
0%    0    Great Barrington   
10.5%    2    Other (please specify)   
1.    Boston and North Adams
2.    Florida, MA

-------------------------------------

2. Which of the following describes your role in the art community?

Percent    Response Total    Response

57.9%    11    Artist (painter, sculptor, photographer, etc.)       
21.1%    4    Arts administrator                   
15.8%    3    Gallery owner/curator                   
10.5%    2    Art consumer or collector               
26.3%    5    Service provider (designer, printer, supplies, etc.)   
0%    0    Interested in becoming an artist           
10.5%    2    Writer/Publisher                   
10.5%    2    Actor/Director/Performer               
0%    0    Dancer/Choreographer
5.3%    1    Parent or relative of an artist
15.8%    3    Other (please specify)
1.    Community Organizer
2.    musician
3.    Part-Time Exotic Dancer, Wing Commander and Log-Roller

-------------------------------------
   
3. How important are the following issues for YOU as an member of the 
arts community in the Berkshires?

Not at all    Not very much    Somewhat Important    Important    
Highest priority    Response Average

Local government representation for artists   
    0% (0)        0% (0)        42% (8)        42% (8)        16% (3)    
    3.74

Healthcare for Artists   
    0% (0)        16% (3)        11% (2)        53% (10)    21% (4)    
    3.79

Attracting collectors to the Berkshires   
    0% (0)        5% (1)        11% (2)        42% (8)        42% (8)    
    4.21

Attracting new artists to the Berkshires   
    0% (0)        6% (1)        29% (5)        35% (6)        29% (5)    
    3.88

Business training for artists   
    0% (0)        0% (0)        37% (7)        47% (9)        16% (3)    
    3.79

Peer group support       
    0% (0)        16% (3)        26% (5)        47% (9)        11% 
(2)        3.53

Inexpensive studio space   
    5% (1)        16% (3)        32% (6)        32% (6)        16% 
(3)        3.37

Inexpensive living space   
    11% (2)        21% (4)        21% (4)        32% (6)        16% 
(3)        3.21

More exhibition opportunities   
    11% (2)        5% (1)        32% (6)        32% (6)        21% 
(4)        3.47

Providing art education for the Berkshires   
    0% (0)        16% (3)        21% (4)        32% (6)        32% 
(6)        3.79

Education events (lectures, seminars, etc)   
    0% (0)        5% (1)        42% (8)        32% (6)        21% (4)    
    3.68

-------------------------------------
   
   
4. How good a job are local organizations/government doing of addressing 
the following issues?

    Great    Satisfactory    Poor    Response     Average

Local government representation for artists   
    0% (0)        6% (1)        94% (17)    2.94

Healthcare for Artists   
    0% (0)        28% (5)        72% (13)    2.72

Attracting collectors to the Berkshires   
    0% (0)        35% (6)        65% (11)    2.65

Attracting new artists to the Berkshires   
    0% (0)        53% (8)        47% (7)        2.47

Business training for artists   
    0% (0)        18% (3)        82% (14)    2.82

Peer group support   
    6% (1)        71% (12)    24% (4)        2.18

Inexpensive studio space   
    6% (1)        59% (10)    35% (6)        2.29

Inexpensive living space   
    6% (1)        71% (12)    24% (4)        2.18

More exhibition opportunities   
    0% (0)        62% (10)    38% (6)        2.38

Providing art education for the Berkshires   
    6% (1)        65% (11)    29% (5)        2.24

Education events (lectures, seminars, etc)   
    6% (1)        50% (8)        44% (7)        2.38

-------------------------------------
   
   
5. What art related events/activities would you participate in?

84.2%    16    North Adams Open Studios
73.7%    14    Exhibition at a local gallery   
36.8%    7    Storefront Artists Project
63.2%    12    Contemporary Artists Center Events
73.7%    14    Downtown Installations in North Adams
52.6%    10    Exhibition in a local restaurant
36.8%    7    North Adams Fall Foliage Parade
15.8%    3    Pittsfield Summer Art Show
26.3%    5    Art instruction for children in the Berkshires
36.8%    7    Art instruction for adults in the Berkshires
26.3%    5    Work with the local school system
31.6%    6    Other (please specify)
1.    Board level participation/org volunteer work
2.     Not applicable. I'm not an artist
3.     Local government political action and campaigns.
4.     Building an active and supportive arts community
5.     Training for young arts administrators in the Berkshires. The 
Berkshires need to provide jobs and we need a trained workforce to 
support growing arts community.
6.     Activities at MASS MoCA
       

-- 

// www.joshuafield.com
// joshua at joshuafield.com
// +1 [413] 329-4789
// 121 Union Street, Studio 1E
// North Adams, MA 01247 USA 




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