[Forum] Northern Berkshire Arts Council/Commission

[Carson]

I think Hezzie's suggestion of expanding upon the current LCC to create a
northern berkshire arts commission makes a lot of sense and would be a very
good way to create a spirit of mutual benefit and cooperation between the
artists and the city.

-Sharon Carson
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <hezzie at thecac.org>
To: <forum at berkshirevisualarts.org>
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 4:05 PM
Subject: [Forum] Northern Berkshire Arts Council/Commission


>
> hello all,
>
> ok. just trying to catch up with all the dialog that has happened here in
> the last few weeks. i have been buried with trying to secure a new home
for
> the Contemporary Artists Center, and keep putting off reading through
these
> posts. My apologies, you all have my support whenever and however i can
> help.
>
> one thing that we may want to consider is organizing an official 'northern
> berkshire arts commission' it could naturally emerge out of the already
> established Local Cultural Council that exists for the primary (sole?)
> purpose of redistributing the Mass Cultural Council grants.
>
> What an arts commission is, is a volunteer mayor-appointed (community
> nominated) organization that acts as a liason between the artists/cultural
> organizations and the City, _officially_ advising the Council and Mayor on
> important cultural issues and initiatives.
>
> The Commission typically meets at an appointed place in City Hall on a
> monthly or quarterly schedule, the meetings are open to all and recorded
and
> anyone can request to speak or be included on the agenda.
>
> I worked for the City of Richmond (CA) within their Arts Commission for a
> few years before moving here to NA. It was amazing what a dedicated
> organized, recognized body of arts supporters can do. We organized
> festivals, initiated public art pieces, wrote and recieved grants, unified
> local arts organizations, changed legislation, etc
> (and the City govt was able to take credit for it  ;)   )
>
> below is the Richmond, CA Arts Commission mission statement and website to
> get a little flavor...
>
> "We are Committed Advocates of the Arts: We work as liaisons between
> organizations, artists, the City of Richmond and the community to promote
> fine and performing arts. The Commission provides advice to the City
> regarding its artistic and cultural development and the preservation of
> Richmond's heritage."
>
> http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.asp?NID=115
>
> many many cities use this model as a vehicle for input. and it doesnt cost
> the City a dime because its all volunteer time.
>
> I would imagine that this would have to be coordinated through Rod Bunt as
> the standing 'Director of the Mayors Office of Tourism and Cultural
> Development', but could be wonderfully developed from there...
>
> Its maybe a bit more of an introductory step as opposed to everyone
running
> for City Council, and much more targeted to the arts communities
particular
> concerns.
>
>  -hezzie
>
>  --- -----  - + -    - - - -  -   - - - - +
>
> Contemporary Artists Center
> North Adams, MA
> http://www.thecac.org
>
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