West Chester - Group One

The Big Canvas - Sept. 22, 2008

The group consisted of about ten individuals who were predominantly suburbanites from the Chester County area. This was an all-white group, mostly female, leaning to the senior-citizen age. There was one art teacher (elementary), who lamented the decline of arts and the emphasis on No Child Left Behind. One person identified himself as an "activist" from Coatesville. He lamented lack of coordinated public action. One was a self-described "arts organizer" (events).

Key themes were that everyone in the groups uses the arts and culture venues available to them. They do not travel across counties (although some were aware of cross-county events and venues). There was a lack of either contention or consensus. The four Issue Guide approaches elicited as many pros as cons. No one took off on any of the items. There was a decidedly neutral feeling about the discussion.

Common ground:

• The Arts Passport idea got a lot of positive response. There was some discussion of pro rating the cost according to need, but all felt it should be made available to all (students and adults).

• Getting information about arts and culture events and dates is hard for most people. A central site (web/ media) would help. One woman lamented the "Loss of the Chester County section of The Inquirer."

• Transportation and expense of getting into the city for arts and culture events was a problem for many. A Philly Arts Van was popular. Grants for Septa to provide transportation was popular. One person said: "It should be as easy to park for cultural events as it is for sporting events!" Lack of cross-county transportation noted.

• Support for schools and the arts. But, concern that schools wouldn't allocate the funds equitably if granted. Fuel grants for
buses for field trips was popular. Arts in schools and artists-in-residence programs were strongly supported.

• Interests in "surprising" art. For example, the mural arts program is strongly supported. Tree houses in parks (Longwood and Tyler) drew favorable notice (kids and adults interest). Arts have "brought back" some boroughs. Positive impact of arts on communities recognized.

Moderators: Chris Satullo and Dick Gross