Chapter 12 Arts and Culture
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Arts + Culture Element 12 Arts and Culture Purpose ment to the iconic Peninsular bighorn sheep and dedication to the preservation of wildlife and habitat as key components of Rancho The purpose of the Arts and Culture Element is to communicate the Mirage’s character. history of the arts and culture development in Rancho Mirage and identify Rancho Mirage’s comparative strengths in this important met- Background ric of civic achievement. This element also guides the development of partnerships in the arts and culture sector and sets forth creative The arts and culture traditions of Rancho Mirage and the Coach- strategies to achieve associated economic, social, environmental ella Valley have a long and interesting history of human culture and community goals. to draw upon, starting with the first people to settle the area to the present day, when Rancho Mirage has emerged as a center The Arts and Cuture Element highlights and strengthens Rancho Mi- for international dialogue, art, and music. These traditions extend rage’s cultural values and preserves its heritage and history. This el- from the long and interesting history of the Cahuilla Indians as ement serves as a platform to strengthen, diversify, and celebrate evidenced in their rock art, pottery, song, and basketry, to the Rancho Mirage’s character and sense of place, all the while en- contemporary city with state-of-the-art technologies and commu- hancing community engagement and participation in arts and cul- nication systems. Awareness of these cultural traditions, both new ture events. Finally, this element also seeks to raise Rancho Mirage’s and old, and of the natural environment, is essential to forming the arts and culture profile and enhance its economic vitality by fostering cultural sensitivity of our community. the activities of both private and public enterprises. The Arts and Cul- ture Element sets forth goals, policies and programs that optimize the Because the City has made a firm commitment to preserve the ar- role the City can play in encouraging and facilitating the arts and ea’s unique character and to balance development with artistic culture development of the community. enhancement, Rancho Mirage has become a place for the flour- ishing recreation, resort, housing, and retail industries. Art has The Arts and Culture Element bears a direct relationship with other played an important role in the creation of character and image in General Plan elements, including the Community Design Element the city. It crosses all social, cultural, educational, and socio-eco- and Conservation and Open Space Element, the latter of which nomic lines, and evokes both intellectual and aesthetic responses communicates the cultural traditions of the Native Cahuilla and early in people. European settlers of the area. The Open Space and Conservation Element also describes the great value the community places upon Rancho Mirage has taken the lead among Coachella Valley cities its open spaces, wild lands, and natural environment. For example, to ensure that its growth respects and complements the natural, parks and recreation resources are discussed in the Open Space built, and social landscape. Public art is one method to guarantee The amphiteather in Community Park was dedicated in 2015. and Conservation Element, and highlight parkland and associated that the visual experience of Rancho Mirage is enriching and en- amenities, including the new Rancho Mirage amphitheater. Other gaging. Increasingly, cities and major developments across North institutions and facilities that communicate Rancho Mirage’s and the America, Asia, and Europe are discovering the power of art to region’s art and culture traditions are addressed in the Public Ser- create opportunities for cultural tourism, economic development, vices and Facilities Element. and image building in the region. Biological resources are also discussed in the Conservation and Open Space Element, and demonstrate the City’s ongoing commit- 149 Community Heritage and Culture Rancho Mirage Architectural Heritage Community heritage, including arts and culture, is unique in that it Rancho Mirage has a rich and varied architectural heritage that is a involves members of society from all backgrounds, bringing diver- showcase for mid-century modern and other styles that are of inter- sity and dynamic growth to the community. Art and culture are not national renown. Most of the city’s important architectural treasures static, but rather grow and change with the community. Leadership are residential buildings and include such notable examples as Sun- in this movement includes artists, historians, folklorists, librarians, nylands, designed by A. Quincy Jones, the historic Ranchito Chiq- anthropologists, planners, and other community leaders. All play uito, and a number of homes designed by such respected architects important roles in preserving the history and heritage of Rancho as William Cody, E. Stewart Williams, William Krisel, Wallace Neff, Mirage, as well as increasing community cohesion and encourag- Donald Wexler, and Richard Neutra. Many of these buildings are ing respect for the changing cultural landscape. The understand- included in regular architectural tours in Rancho Mirage. ing, preservation and elaboration of the community’s history and heritage can serve as the basis for innovation and advancement. Community Engagement Therefore, resources should be dedicated to preserving meaningful spaces, objects, and other assets that document stories from Native Community engagement is an essential aspect of on-going cultural American and other community elders, to record the area’s contem- development. This is a process of relationship building that encour- porary, cultural practices. ages both learning and action, as well as the expression of values and opinions about the role of arts and culture in the community. A Community Character and Sense of high level of community engagement can promote vibrancy and in- Place novation through participation, which results in a strengthened level of public ownership and commitment. A goal that is highly desirable but sometimes difficult to realize is the development of a community with an enjoyable and unique charac- City leaders have continued to actively promote community en- ter and sense of place that attracts residents and visitors alike. Many gagement through a variety of traditional tools, including public elements contribute to this sense of character and place, including opinion surveys, visioning workshops, asset-based planning, town streetscapes and public viewsheds, architecture, public spaces and halls, meetings, and public hearings. Aside from the more tradition- neighborhoods, accessibility, functionality, and community involve- al means of community engagement, and with the rapid evolution ment. Artistic, cultural, and creative strategies help to reveal and of technology, the City has the opportunity to seek out additional enhance the community’s identity. means of engagement through arts and culture mediums, which may take the form of festivals, exhibits, and web based applications. Rancho Mirage utilizes artistic and cultural inventories, community These outreach strategies should emphasize receptiveness to input, visioning processes, design guidelines, arts and culture program- genuine acknowledgment of feedback, access, and the develop- ming, master plans, and public financial investments in urban de- ment, broadening and deepening of relationships. Kenaston House (1957) designed by architect E. Stewart Williams sign and placemaking to further the role and meaning of the arts and culture in the life of Rancho Mirage. As part of this overall strat- Nature and Science as Culture egy, the City continues to explore community context, embrace and nurture community diversity and uniqueness, and build upon and The natural environment has played a major role in shaping the celebrate Rancho Mirage’s distinct character. All of these aspects character of Rancho Mirage. The dramatic desert and mountain require the consideration of all community interests in key deci- landscape and the biological diversity of the Coachella Valley and sion-making processes, including the integration of arts and culture Rancho Mirage have attracted residents and visitors from throughout resources into the contextual civic framework. the world. Just as nature was and remains an integral part of Native 150 Arts + Culture Element Cahuilla culture, it continues to be a major cultural force affecting the some respects gain a competitive edge, by improving its ability to entire community. attract economic activity, and by creating a climate for innovation. Rancho Mirage has been at the forefront of the integration of nature Flourishing arts and culture activities enhance the potential for the and the human community, identifying with and taking dedicated recruitment and retention of a skilled and educated workforce. action to preserve and protect such iconic wildlife as the Peninsular They can also, bring in visitors and attract development. Further- bighorn sheep, and celebrating our native plant community. Rancho more, formal and informal training in the arts can facilitate the Mirage has also been a center for international climate change and local development of skills valued in the global economy, in- environmental policy development, as well as a venue for important cluding strong oral and written communication skills, precise and social and cultural exchanges. Sunnylands has played an historic