In yesterday’s snow storm, I started thinking about what this town NEEDS! I belong to the local Economic Development Assn, and am also part of the working group for the new Entrepise Region for SW SK. So, lots of Economic development ideas stirring in my head since I couldn’t go to the meeting in Moose Jaw yesterday.
There are some empty houses and other buildings in our town, empty lots to fill with new buildings or move in buildings…..and I’ve been thinking of the Artist Relocation Program that Paducah, Kentucky has had going for awhile.
So, today on Twitter & Facebook, I asked the question:
If you as an artist were thinking of moving to a town where other artists live, what would be a GREAT incentive?
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Number one on my list would be affordable housing/studio space, followed closely by an active arts community that has the support of the larger community.
In fact, surprisingly, where I am right now fits both those criteria!
for myself – I would probably like to have other artists who think “outside the box” so I might have people with which to have “play dates” or even just visit with and share common interests. But thinking in response to your more community development question, I would look more so at areas to display the art and areas at reasonable (or no) cost for artists to do their work, kind of like a community studio. We had a great place in the courthouse – land titles portion – that was PERFECT but someone took advantage and I believe it is off limits. All I can think of now but this is IMPORTANT. I’ll let you know if I think of other things. I thought Cherri had good suggestions also from her daughter.
It’s interesting that you are posing this question now – as my daughter who just graduated from college with a BFA in printmaking is trying to find a city to locate to. The city she selects must have good public transportation (no car), be environmently friendly, have affordable housing, and hopefully a university nearby so she can participate in a Masters program, should she choose to go that route. She would some place that encourages a sense of community, she would also like someplace that supports local farmers so she could purchase fresh produce at Farmers Markets. Access to art supplies would also help, but that is not super high on the list.
That’s her wish list!
Thanks for addressing this important issue.
i believe being surounded by fellow artists .would be .and is inspirational
Hi. Saw your tweet about this. If I were to consider relocating, I would want to live in a community that has a strong commitment to being a real community. The kind of place where neighbors talk to neighbors and help each other out. I’d want it to be a place that welcomed families of all ages and make ups, with kids, without kids, all races and religions. I’d want there to be many opportunities for both structured and informal interactions amongst artists. And lastly, it would have to be a sustainably built community.