Strategic Toledo Arts plan - Are the "arts" in Toledo being used to improve our economy? In his last three state of the city speeches, Mayor Ford mentioned the arts as an economic engine. Regular public meetings about the arts were held throughout 2002 with a prelim plan released in Sep 2003. A dedicated website (www.toledoarts.org) launched in Oct 2003. The arts plan was officially released during the Mayor's Summit on the Arts at the Art Museum in Nov 2003 where guest speaker Richard Florida spoke about how the arts can be used to improve a region's economy. Dr. Florida's ideas have both supporters and detractors. Dr. Florida uses the gay and bohemian indexes to determine a city's prosperity. Lastly, there's hardly any local interest for an arts levy.
An article by Dr. Richard Florida titled The Rise of the Creative Class.
"Why cities without gays and rock bands are losing the economic development race."
From Mayor Ford's last three state of the city speeches:
2003:
"During this past year, we put great emphasis on our park system, the arts, and education. Susan Reams deserves our applause for her work as an advocate for the arts. She has raised the focus on arts at City Hall and is developing an arts consortium that meets in this building."
2004:
"Also, I believe that the arts are an engine for economic development. For Toledo to become a vibrant urban center, we must implement our plans that focus on arts and culture. Isn't it true that we think more about arts and elegance now than we did just 2 years ago? My administration elevated arts to cabinet-level status."
"We released the strategic plan for arts and culture. And we launched the first comprehensive website for arts and entertainment called toledoarts.org. We introduced ArtWorks, a fine arts show downtown. Dr. Richard Florida ignited a new community-wide interest in the Arts as economic development."
"In 2004, we are partnering with the Toledo Jazz Society to elevate the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Festival to new heights. Toledo has a wealth of arts and cultural offerings. We cannot let them whither on the vine. We cannot let COSI, Toledo Botanical Garden, the Opera, the Rep, the Symphony, and others continue to struggle. Let's come together to find the solution to funding a vibrant arts community! Coupled with a dedication to technology, arts, and a vibrant urban experience, I believe we will redefine Toledo."
2005:
"For Toledo to grow as a vibrant urban center, we must continue to focus on arts and culture. I know that the arts are an engine for economic development. Susan Reams, the City's Arts Consultant, is at the forefront of this effort. She has raised $606 thousand dollars in cash and in kind contributions. Lets thank her for her efforts."
"Lets thank the many corporations and individuals who have responded so well to request for donations toward the Arts and Recreation when Susan or I called. This summer brought the cool sounds of jazz on the riverfront sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, the Toledo Jazz Society and it was a great show."
"I salute Susan, Jon Richardson, Jeff Jaffe and the multitude of volunteers who did a great job. And I am pleased, Jon, to announce that DaimlerChrysler has agreed to give the 2005 Jazz Fest support to the tune of $100,000 --- a $50,000 increase over 2004!"
posted by jr to art at 11:48 A.M. EST
(1 Comment)
Comments ...
I just want to thank Susan Reams, Jon Richardson, Jeff Jaffe and all the others who understand the economic generator that the arts are and should continue to be for Toledo and the surrounding area. This is the one area where neigborhoods and corporations alike recognize the positive impact that the Arts has on Toledo's economy and quality of life. Thanks again for all of their efforts,
Dan J. Boos
877-874-0011
posted by Guest at 02:04 P.M. EST on Mon Feb 14, 2005 #
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