Connecting Arts and Communities Joe Kvoriak

Joe Kvoriak BFA in Acting, Wayne State University MFA in Theater Management, Wayne State University Marketing Director, Jewish Ensemble Theater Director of Events and Operations, Park Bar and Elizabeth Theater Director of Promotions and Recruitment, Wayne State University Performing Arts Coordinator, Canton Township

Session Learning Objective 1 Participants will be able to recognize two example communities that have leveraged artistic partners to create opportunities to engage and revitalize communities Learning Activities/Assessments Definition of Arts Impact (community and individual impact) Discussion of two example communities Discussion of potential benefits of arts to a community

Session Learning Objective 2 2. Participants will be able to identify potential local arts partners through the differences of an arts organization and a personal project Learning Activities/Assessments Identify the difference between an arts organization and a personal project

Session Learning Objective 3 3. Participants will be able to write a basic plan to produce a successful arts based community event through identifying purpose, alignment, and benefit. Learning Activities/Assessments Define purpose, alignment, and benefit Discuss if the examples are a personal project or an arts organization Complete the worksheet to describe a potential event that collaborates with a potential art partner through purpose, alignment, and benefit

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”?

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”? Individual Impact vs. Community Impact Princeton University

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Individual Mechanisms Direct Involvement Builds interpersonal ties and promotes volunteering, which improves health Increases opportunities for self-expression and enjoyment Reduces delinquency in high-risk youth Increases sense of individual efficacy and self-esteem Improves individuals’ sense of belonging or attachment to a community Improves human capital: skills and creative abilities Builds individual social networks Enhances ability to work with others and communicate ideas

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Individual Mechanisms Audience Participation Increases opportunities for enjoyment Relieves Stress Increases cultural capital Improves school performance Increases tolerance of others

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Individual Mechanisms Presence of Artists and Arts Organization & Institutions Increases individual opportunity and propensity to be involved in the arts

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Community Mechanisms Direct Involvement Wages to paid employees Increases sense of collective identity and efficacy Builds social capital by getting involved by connecting organizations to each other and by giving participants experience in organizing and working with local governments and nonprofits

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Community Mechanisms Audience Participation People (esp. tourists/visitors) spend money on attending the arts and on local businesses. Further, local spending by these arts venues and patronized businesses has indirect multiplier effects. Builds community identity and pride, leads to positive community norms, such as tolerance and free expression. People come together who might not otherwise come into contact with each other.

What do we mean by “Arts Impact”- Community Mechanisms Presence of Artists and Arts Organization & Institutions Increases propensity of community members to participate in the arts Increases attractiveness of area to tourists, businesses, people (esp. high skill workers) and investments Fosters a “creative milieu” that spurs economic growth in creative industries Greater likelihood of revitalization Improves community image and status Promotes neighborhood cultural diversity Reduces neighborhood crime and delinquency

Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Cultural Trust -Led by Jack Heinz -Arts Promotion and Real Estate Developer that over sees over 3 Million Square Feet of Downtown Property -Realized they needed to buy ancillary buildings around the theaters as well -Commissioned Public Arts Projects and Parks in the neighborhood -Forefront of building a cultural district instead of just a center such as Lincoln Center or Kennedy Center. -Number of annual visitors doubled from 1 million to 2 million over the course of ten years from development to -Focus is balanced art “something for everyone”

East Franklin Creative Community Plan of Columbus Ohio https://youtu.be/4K8FTqVXpJA

Discussion What impact do you see the arts making in your community?

Which Arts Organization do you choose? So much to choose from so little time. -personal reference -application

Arts Organization vs. Personal Project An Arts Organization will preferably have the following: -Board Members (or committee of leaders consisting of non conflicting relationships) -Registered 501(c)3 -Website, not counting a FB page (to refer people to) -Supporter Base (can tell you about their audience) -Product Knowledge (can tell you their mission and how they serve it) -Programming (or at least a plan for indefinite amount of time)

Discussion Why might you want these characteristics or qualities?

Three Qualities of a Successful Community Arts Event Purpose-Their must be a reason the organization is part of the event; are they to entertain? To teach? To fill a gap in programming. Try to be as specific as possible. Alignment- The arts programming must make sense in the context of the event. Benefit- The purpose is the producing organization’s benefit for having the performing arts organization at the event, what’s the benefit for the group? Exposure isn’t always a benefit. There should be a direct benefit that you can count for the group.

Activity Design an event (real or made up) incorporating a performing arts organization (real or made up) utilizing purpose, alignment, and benefit.