>> Space for the Arts
The St. Croix Valley Foundation is working with seven cultural organizations* in the Greater Stillwater-Lake Elmo to conduct a cultural needs and use assessment to determine the space needs of local artists and arts organizations in our region.
The Study
This assessment consists of three parts:
Artist market survey: An online survey engaged 400 artists of all disciplines to determine their interest in affordable live-work projects, studio-workspace or shared space for the creation of art, rehearsal, performance or display.
Interviews with local arts and cultural organizations: In early 2009 Artspace interviewed 23 organizations to determine their current and future programming needs and how these programs translate into space needs.
Interviews with city leaders in Stillwater, Lake Elmo and Oak Park Heights: Interviews were conducted in Spring 2009 to determine each city’s interest in, possible financing of, and support for a future cultural facility of some type.
The Outcome
In early 2010 Artspace will provide their recommendations regarding what type of space is needed and financially feasible in the Greater Stillwater-Lake Elmo area. The results will then be shared at a public meeting.
A range of concepts could come out of this project: performing art space, artist live-work space, gallery space, office space, classrooms and/or space for for-profit creative businesses. A coordinated approach to creating space for arts and culture in our region will enhance the unique cultural character that attracts new businesses, sparks revenues and sustains a vibrant community. If you’d like to learn the results of this study, please let us know at www.artspacestcroixvalley.org.
Artspace Projects, Inc. is the Minneapolis-based national organization whose mission is create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Artspace Projects is America’s leading nonprofit real estate developer for the arts. (More information at www.artspace.org)
* The seven organizations overseeing this project include:
ArtReach Alliance
Lake Elmo Regional Art Center
The Phipps Center for the Arts
Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education
Trinity Lutheran Church
Theatre Associates of Stillwater
Valley Chamber Chorale
Convened by: The St. Croix Valley Foundation
If you’d like to learn the results of this study please contact Jill Shannon at jshannon@scvfoundation.org or go to www.artspacestcroixvalley.org.