The Big Canvas Confab - Group Six

The Big Canvas Confab - Group Six

What a great group! We truly had a regional dialogue with passionate and concerned members from all reaches of our geographic area.  Beyond its complement of politicians and cultural leaders, Group Six had about 14 citizens from Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia Counties, with one expatriate hailing from Cherry Hill. Most were white, with four people of color from the city (three black, one Asian). Most were middle-age, two or three were seniors, with one school-age girl (accompanying her mother from Philadelphia) and one 20-something artist from Philadelphia (formerly from Chester County). Moderators were Ted Enoch and Elizabeth Perry. Former State Sen. Earl Baker, Chester County, and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, 3rd District, also joined the group.

What elected officials thought most important:
Former State Rep. State Senator Earl Baker: 

• Joint efforts across party lines were and are required (as he accomplished with Allyson Schwartz 10 years ago with a Republican/Democrat-sponsored bill for arts funding, unfortunately not passed).

• Balancing act to use tax dollars (collected from everyone) to be distributed to various arts groups... and regions…  How do you choose?

• If government is the arbiter of art funds, will there be a loss of artistic freedom?  Like a planned economy, planned art doesn't work.

• State legislation -- vehicle for gathering both allies and input: public hearings can be held anywhere (not just Harrisburg).
Does "arts and culture" include libraries?  History and heritage?

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell:

• Anxious times -- need to collaborate.

• City Council serves important functions: introduces legislation, creates public hearings for citizen and expert input.  These hearing can be requested, and you may use my office for this in regards to arts and culture.

• City Council serves as a conduit for voters' issues to the mayor's ear.

• Issues of control: Art displayed in City Hall raises these questions -- who decides what art comes in?  Collaboration needed.

What the arts and culture leaders/workers thought most important:

An artist of 40 years and community organizer working to build a coalition of arts/culture workers in Coatesville, PA had these points to make:
• A small number of people CAN make a difference in this effort.
• Trust is what is needed.  A creative person is an honest broker.
• See people and one another as assets with energy to make this happen.

An arts and culture leader in Bucks County had this to say:
• We must honor that this needs to be a regional effort.
• This requires citizens from all regions to represent and contribute.
• This will require our effort and is our responsibility. 
• We can make these dialogues happen.

A dean of the fine arts department at Bucks County Community College had this to say:
• There are examples of sharing resources within our school including shared/blended positions, and integrated arts and degrees.
• We must prioritize education, particularly saving resources for trips to places such as NY and Philadelphia, museums…
• Citizens can make a difference.  We can create email distribution lists and create connections among and between our communities.

A retiree of the Philadelphia Orchestra remarked:
• We can make these dialogues happen.
• Go to the source that can make these efforts happen, such as the mayor, council or legislature.  The leaders can make the call that will get the region to respond (citing the Avenue of the Arts success that previous Mayor Rendell called for…)
• We can create programming that relates to larger programs such as the orchestra.  Children can draw or perform in relation to the story or theme of the current orchestra piece…
• We need to dig deeper.  I had music lessons as a child.  My father advocated for me to receive these lessons.  Are opportunities like that even still there for our children? I think “No!” due to budget cuts.
• We need to create new audiences, new teachers, and new artists…

A member of a regional advocacy group that supports education and arts and culture policy and programs for our youth (from PCCY) commented:
• You can’t believe what kinds of impact occur with small grants such as 5 thousand dollars.
• Schools are excellent nexus points for community impact with arts and culture.
• It is here where we can do community building, create safety and connect people.

Ideas that surfaced when all members of the community spoke:
• A mother (with her child by her side) from the Olney section of Philadelphia spoke: We can make these dialogues happen.
• Are we REALLY for the children?  Schools are not engaging for our children.
• Schools need art programs to meet the talent of our youth.
• We need volunteers in schools or working with our children.
• As a parent, I have to pay for lessons… This is not how it used to be. (Vigorous energy and agreement in the room.)

A young woman and Philadelphia artist spoke:
• In the Kensington section of Philadelphia, we have Flux Space, which is meeting the need for artists to have space.
• We are (slowly) figuring out how to make good community connections.
• Children literally come to us and start making art with us.
• We have resources that we want to share; we just want to have a thoughtful response that will have true effects…

Due to a time crunch, ideas started moving more rapidly, and some of the following ideas cannot be attributed to a particular person:
• We can make these dialogues happen.
• Any economic stimulus program should have a works program, an arts works program.
• I am starting an organization in West Philadelphia and I want knowledge and guidance. In response, a fellow citizen commented to utilize the city council and Gary Steuer’s office, the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.
• An improved arts and culture Web site and clearinghouse is a good idea, but that we need to collaborate and coordinate among existing efforts to bring this effort UP TO SCALE, so to be utilized effectively and maximally.
• Arts in schools is not a luxury.

Common ground:

• We can make these dialogues happen.

• The effort does need to be regional and bipartisan, or unpoliticized – no small task – and this requires participation and leadership from all areas.

• Champions (mayors, governors, legislatures) can galvanize energy and resources, and can tap into or inspire natural pockets of leadership…

• If this group is any indication, there are MANY people willing and ready to participate, but would need a clear, communicative and inclusive process to stay connected.

• Most of the participants who are willing to contribute point to an early, quality arts education experience that set them on this way…

• Most greatly value programming for our youth. It is one of the clear ways to engage exceptional and marginal youth.
A piece of legislative action (a bill) might be a useful and clear way forward, and yet, having lawmakers defining what art or culture might be is a dangerous and slippery slope.

Also noteworthy:  During the large group and keynote presentations of the confab, at least two activists/protesters who opposed the move of the Barnes collection to Philadelphia were prominent and vigorous in the demonstration of their views. At least two members of our small discussion group felt compelled to note their frustration with their presence and tactics.

It should also be noted that other members whom I came in contact with outside of the small group felt that these demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right of free speech.