Doylestown - Group Two

The Big Canvas - July 9, 2008

Group II had 10 participants. Their backgrounds ranged from artists to supporters of the arts and cultural events. The group was opinionated and vocal. The evening was a success. The group worked hard and was productive in framing arts and culture in the region. They enjoyed the process and are looking forward to the follow-up in September. -- Moderator Jean Haskell and Recorder Eddie Battle

For what do people use arts and culture?

Entertainment, escape, self-expression, education, health, cultural identity, enrichment, political expression, career fulfillment and jobs.

Who are the users?

• Students, businesses, seniors, health-care providers, families, city planners, everybody, children, career artists, educators, supporters, developers, producers, government in different ways, individuals.

What values do you think arts and culture bring to individuals, families, communities? What basic values do they support?

• Cultural preservation of diversity

• Team work

• Self-expression and –esteem

• Acceptance of others

• Nirvana

• Sparks curiosity

• Deep expression

• Historical prospective

• Create controversy

• Economic

• Enriching society

• Undermined complacency

• Help to understand society

• Understand our world and connect us world and others to others

• Healing

In our region, what are the barriers to these uses and values?

• Money

• Gas [prices], TV and the Internet

• Access

• Media is too available

• Ability

• Society pressure

• Complacency

• Childhood experiences

• Social and cultural barriers

• Limited opportunities

• Time

• Performance space

• Lack of promotions

• Parking

• Affordability

• Lack of integration of arts in education

• Lack of educational opportunities for children

You're part of a committee that's going to decide how $60 million gets spent. What's on your list?

• Grants to artists and performers, music and producers

• Project grants

• Support for art and art work in its broadest sense

• General operating funds for organizations

• Subsidized attendance for the underserved and school children

• Transportation

• Integrate the arts in grades K through 12

There's only $20 million to spend. How do you prioritize your list from the previous question?

• General operating funds for organizations

• Subsidized attendance for the underserved and school children

• Grants to artists and performers, music and producers

Other major regional concerns or issues?

• Controversy about the arts

• Desire to lower taxes

• Crime fighting

• Sports

• Homelessness

• Open space and preservation

• Transportation and infrastructure

• Schools

• Healthcare

• Arts and culture attracts business

• Environmental protection

• All [items in the list] are interrelated

Which of the above regional concerns or issues have a higher or lower priority than arts and culture?

• Crime-fighting has a higher priority than arts and culture.

Note: There wasn’t enough time for the group to address more regional concerns.