Moore College in Philadelphia - Group 11

The Big Canvas - July 30, 2008

The group of 11 introduced themselves and told everyone where they lived and why they came that evening. Members of the group came from all different neighborhoods in Philadelphia and two from the Main Line.  Some people were involved in arts and culture professionally, and others supported the arts socially.

For what do people use arts and culture?

Entertainment for events, venues to host entertainment and receptions for events, education; enhancement to total experience of life; opportunity for community learning; process to learn about values; share experiences; becomes part of one's cultural identity and self-esteem; education; crosses all cultures; creates a bridge to another place; opportunity to learn from one another; challenges expectations; challenges assumptions; chance to experience something new; broadens the world; reminds you of your heritage; supports artists; vehicle for economic development (ex.: schools of art and design, engine for our own communities and export to others, and when arts and culture is the focal point, it makes communities stronger).

Who are the users?

Event planners; children; art purchasers; "hands on people" like professional and amateur artists; "non-hands on people" like those who attend performances; frequent users; occasional users; young adults; minorities and "mainstream."

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

• Art turns concepts into things.

• The intangible of the shared experience.

• Brings a lot of people together for the share experience.

• The social an educational value of a/c can change a person's life if it works (transformative/not the same person because of ideas).

• Makes you a better person.

• Feel more alive.

• Makes you more of yourself.

• Jobs/employment.

• Transferable skills.

• Creativity equals "thinking outside the box."

• Art background helps you think outside the box.

• The artist community is the "best thing about Philadelphia"

• Entertainment value.

• Creates aspiration in young kids who may identify with an artist or want to become an artist.

• Art therapy helps kids express themselves (putting it on paper makes you feel better).

• Human need that has existed in every culture (even the cavemen had art).

• Study and practice to become a musician is thrilling.

• Stands the test of time.

• Familiar.

• Honest, integrity and discipline -- musicians cannot cheat.

Note:  There was disagreement over the statement that the "value that lower income people/community place on arts and culture is different from the value that higher income people place on arts and culture."

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

• Economy.

• Location.

• Lack of exposure generally and lack of exposure to certain artists (Note:  There was disagreement as to whether young people in the city needed exposure to jazz artists.  One member of the group felt that young people were not exposed to jazz, but others felt that there is jazz in the city.)

• Generational.

• So much to do in Philadelphia/so much choice.

• Lack of consensus -- need to bring everybody along, not just downtown.

• Lack of consensus about what is important in arts and culture.

• Geographical barriers -- Some people will not go to (select) different parts of the city and others will only stay in their own neighborhoods.

• Psychological barriers.

• Costs.

• Scheduling.

• Time.

• Fear of the unknown in going to another neighborhood.  This might change if city sponsored programs in different neighborhoods.

• Parking.

• Public transportation.

• Public safety. (The Broad Street line is a great barrier -- "watch your purse.")

• People don't know about programs and resources (ex. free parking meters).

• Lack of advertisement.

• The "digital divide" -- some people don't know how to use a computer while others won't leave their computer

• Motivation.

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

• Grants to support budgets (operating and capital expenditures) of qualifying arts and culture institutions.

• Arts education in and out of schools: Specialized afterschool programs; audience development; and visiting "big name" artists in schools for pay.

• Scholarships for emerging artists.

• Outreach program to extend personal invitations to participants from a known inviter to increase comfort level. Transportation support would also be provided.

• "Media buy" to promote weekly advertisement of events (more than just a listing).

• Pay artists and administrators meaningful salaries to show value for their work.  Some work as artists on the side because they cannot pursue art as a full-time occupation.  Create a pay system based on levels in the federal government.

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

The top four vote-getters:

• Arts Education in and out of schools: specialized after-school programs; audience development; and visiting "big name" artists in schools for pay. (18 votes)

• Outreach program to extend personal invitations to participants from a known inviter to increase comfort level.  Transportation support would also be provided. (7 votes)

• Grants to support budgets (operating and capital expenditures) of qualifying arts and culture institutions. (5 votes)

• Pay artists and administrators meaningful salaries to show value for their work.  Some work as artists on the side because they cannot pursue art as a full-time occupation.  Create a pay system based on levels in the federal government.

Other major regional concerns or issues? Which of these have a higher or lower priority than arts and culture?

Higher priority than arts and culture:

• Affordable housing

• Poverty

• Crime

• School drop-out rates

Lower than arts and culture:

• Cost of food

• Employment

• Next generation's focus

• Foreign policy

• Global warming/environmental

• Infrastructure

• Race relations

• Regional cooperation between governments

For what other issues could arts and culture be part of the solution?

• Affordable housing.

• Poverty.

• Employment.

• Next generation's focus.

• Race relations (cross borders similar to Harlem in the 1920s).

• Regional cooperation between governments. (Stakeholders cross boundaries.)

Final thoughts?

• Someone suggested that students receive tickets for empty seats to keep full audiences.  There was a chorus of voices saying that this is already done.  That led to a discussion of what one person referred to as the "elephant in the room": We have capacity, but low utilization.  Someone suggested that institutions consider marketing strategies to fill seats especially since foundations may base grant-giving on the number of seats filled.

• One member wanted to discuss the definition of "expanding (the) population" of participants as an analytical framework for the Great Expectations program.  This member wanted to discuss the measurement of participation and participation patterns for arts and culture events as well as strategies for widening regional funding by focusing on the populations we want to involve.  Counterpoints to these concerns centered around the fact that group members are considered "participants" and everyone in our group had a chance to vote during the evening.  However, there will be more forums to come, so there is an opportunity to tell others about the Great Expectations program.