Providence is already recognized as an arts and cultural center. The objectives of Creative Providence: A Cultural Plan for the Capital City, are:
- To serve as a catalyst for city and statewide conversations about the evolution and sustainability of the arts.
- To recognize artists, art administrators and cultural institutions as leaders who already shape the current environment.
- To provide emerging arts leaders and experienced professionals with a forum to develop fresh ways of enriching the arts.
Two consulting firms will lead the effort: Craig Dreeszen, a nationally recognized cultural planner, and the staff of New Commons, a Providence-based think tank.
A community forum on how the city’s artistic community evolved will be held on Oct. 7 from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center. A second forum on how to strengthen the city’s “creative ecosystem” will be held Nov. 18 from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Roger Williams Park Casino.
And the Department of Art, Culture and Tourism will invite a group of local and national leaders to discuss the challenges facing the local arts community on March 3 and 4 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
The public is invited to share their thoughts on line at a new Web site, www.creativeprov.org. Yeah, I built it!