Arts and Culture Plan for the Greater Flint Arts Council
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLINT 11 ARTS & CULTURE PLAN VISION P. 263 GOAL & OBJECTIVES P. 265 RECOMMENDATIONS & BEST PRACTICES P. 267 IMPLEMENTATION P. 275 Source: Joel Rash Imagine Flint Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint • Arts & Culture Plan ARTS & CULTURE PLAN & CULTURE ARTS V ISION 11 ARTS & CULTURE PLAN VISION, GOAL & OBJECTIVES Flint is on the verge of achieving Imagine this vision. Flint is one of Michi- SOCIAL EQUITY & public spaces and vacant lots that gan’s top arts and culture destina- SUSTAINABILITY QUALITY OF LIFE YOUTH are activated and energized by tions, home to world-class facilities murals, sculptures, paintings, and such as the Flint Cultural Center performance art pieces developed and a strong network of civic and Arts and Culture can be a powerful medium to articulate Arts and culture is an integral piece in defining local quality of Access to arts and culture is incredibly important for shaping by local artists. grassroots organizations. However, injustices and bring societal inequities to light. We must life. While providing pleasure and enjoyment to viewers, art is positive youth behavior. Through developing cognitive skills we must first face existing realities: recognize arts and culture as a tool in promoting social equity also a strong outlet for personal growth, self-expression, and and increasing academic success, engaging in the arts can deter Imagine a Flint where arts and art education has been cut in and awareness and empower residents of all backgrounds and wellness. It can also be utilized to beautify the City’s environ- young people from involvement in negative behaviors such as culture are sewn into the fabric of many schools, some residents ex- neighborhoods to share their stories. ment by adding color and visual appeal. crime. Youth who are grounded in their cultural traditions and every neighborhood, with homes, press unequal access to the City’s histories are confident and resilient. churches, schools, and com- art and culture resources, and the munity centers acting as artistic City’s extensive cultural offerings laboratories of creative innovation, are often not well coordinated. community engagement, and civic pride. Imagine Flint as a regional cre- The “Arts and Culture Plan” is a ative hub with a dynamic creative roadmap to overcoming those RESHAPING THE ECONOMY ADAPTING TO CHANGE CIVIC LIFE economy, where arts and culture obstacles and to actualizing a new are an integral piece in defining lo- community vision. By following the cal quality of life and artists are the recommendations outlined in this Creative industries are key drivers of economic growth. By Artists stand ready to transform Flint. Flint’s vacant land and Arts and culture support civic life in many ways. Art can be a City’s innovative problem solvers chapter, arts and culture can be- becoming a regional creative hub and cultivating local arts structures present artists with a unique opportunity to turn bridge between cultures, as well as a way to discover mean- and visionary thinkers. come a part of everybody’s daily entrepreneurs, Flint can encourage urban regeneration and these spaces into beautiful and vibrant installations. Similarly, ing and shape conversations about challenging topics. Local life and be accessible to all. increase tourism opportunities. involvement in arts and culture creates lifelong learners who traditions, celebrations, and lore remind us of who we are and can proactively respond to the ever-changing needs of self and what makes Flint unique. society. Imagine Flint Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint • Adopted October 28, 2013 263 Imagine Flint Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint • Arts & Culture Plan G ARTS & CULTURE PLAN & CULTURE ARTS OAL GOAL: & O Arts and culture should be a part of everyone’s daily life and accessible to all. BJECTIVES Objective #1 Objective #4 Objective #7 Use art and cultural programming to create dynamic public Increase youth participation in arts and cultural program- Develop a sustainable, long-term mechanism to implement the GUIDING PRINCIPLES spaces. ming. Arts and Culture Plan and create a stable funding source for arts The ways in which the Goal & Objectives of the Infrastructure and culture organizations and programming. and Community Facilities Plan have been influenced by the guiding Leveraging local talents to create public art and culturally rich program- Expanding arts and cultural activities for all of our youth will stimulate principles are indicated using the following symbols. ming will beautify and energize our communities and allow residents to a lifelong love for learning, provide safe outlets for self-expression, Whether forming a new entity or tapping into existing organizations, imple- Social Equity & Sustainability freely express themselves. and encourage creative and critical thinking. mentation requires coordinated action, continued advocacy for arts and • culture, and a commitment to fund raising to ensure long-term sustainability. • Reshaping the Economy •••••• •••• ••• • Quality of Life Adapting to Change Objective #2 Objective #5 Objective #8 • Integrate arts and culture into Flint’s neighborhoods. Develop a thriving local “creative economy” of artists, cre- Use the arts and culture to encourage civic discourse and Youth • ative professionals, and cottage arts industries. community problem solving. Civic Life Arts and culture should not be confined to museums and universities, • but cultivated and celebrated in homes, churches, schools, and com- Flint can invest in its future by creating, attracting, and sustaining job Arts and culture can be used as a mechanism to engage stakeholders in munity centers across the City. Empowering residents to engage in visual, opportunities for forward-thinking artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and dialogue about tough community challenges, share ideas, and collectively spoken, written, and performance art broadens cultural participation and creative professionals. discover potential solutions. communicates Flint’s rich diversity. ••••• •• ••••• Objective #3 Objective #6 Expand access to and involvement in arts and cultural activi- Brand Flint as a regional creative hub and market Flint’s cul- ties. tural offerings both internally (to residents) and externally (to tourists, prospective residents, and businesses). By improving awareness of the opportunities that do exist, designing offerings to be culturally relevant, and reinforcing a commitment to serve By advertising and promoting Flint’s unique opportunities, Flint can those with the greatest barriers to participation, we can ensure that capitalize on increasing demand for cultural offerings and attract tourists, every person has the opportunity to be enriched and to enrich others new residents, and businesses to both make Flint residents aware of the through arts and culture. City’s wonderful assets and ensure broader, more diverse audiences for the City’s institutions. •••• •••• Imagine Flint Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint • Adopted October 28, 2013 265 Imagine Flint Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint • Arts & Culture Plan ARTS & CULTURE PLAN & CULTURE ARTS BEST PRACTICES 11 ARTS AND CULTURE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS & BEST PRACTICES lthough many people Arts and culture play an impor- ing recommendations. The Arts Athroughout the world are tant role in preserving Flint’s local and Culture Plan presents an TABLE OF CONTENTS familiar with Flint’s plight of indus- history, establishing an identity and opportunity to establish greater trial disinvestment, manufacturing sense of place, contributing to communication and collaboration decline, and population loss, fewer the local economy, and providing between Flint arts and cultural Arts & Culture Organizations ........................ 268 realize that the City is a strong educational enrichment. Visual organizations, increase accessibil- Flint Cultural Center ������������������������������������������������������������������������������268 arts and cultural community. De- arts, performing arts, literary arts, ity to services, expand participa- Grassroots Arts Organizations ������������������������������������������������������������268 spite years of economic decline, public art, community events and tion, recognize additional funding Festivals & Flint Traditions�������������������������������������������������������������������270 many arts and cultural organiza- festivals, historic preservation, and opportunities, revitalize the built Social Group-Specific Organizations ��������������������������������������������������270 tions have not only managed to more, represent the wide and environment, assert the City’s Greater Flint Arts Council ���������������������������������������������������������������������270 survive, but in some cases have diverse range of offerings that identity through cultural expres- Community Arts & Cultural Surveys ............. 270 been able to expand services. A collectively comprise the arts and sion, and promote a positive Greater Flint Community Cultural Plan: Forging Links�������������������270 2013 sample of 10% of Flint’s arts cultural foundation of Flint. image of the City of Flint. Our Town Grant......................................................................................270 and cultural organizations, ranging Arts & Culture Priorities .................................. 271 With a history of support from Arts and culture enrich our lives from a nationally recognized team Revitalization through Art ��������������������������������������������������������������������271