ArtsErie is pleased to announce the implementation of CultureSpark, a year-long cultural planning process designed to identify the issues, strengths and challenges for cultural development throughout Erie County. CultureSpark will engage civic and cultural leaders and members of the community at large in dialog about the role, value and outcomes of cultural development.

Bill Bulick of Creative Planning, Portland, Ore. will facilitate the process. Bulick will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, facilitate community dialog and develop the Cultural Master Plan. Surale Phillips of Decision Support Partners, Bozeman, Mont. will assist. Phillips will be responsible for data analysis by using geodemography, which studies the demographic characteristics of individuals in a particular location.

The CultureSpark task force will host two open forums in July for artists and cultural organizers:

• CultureSpark Artists’ Forum: Artists and creators of all kinds are invited to attend the CultureSpark Artists’ Forum on Wed., July 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Latino’s Restaurant (1313 Parade St., Erie). RSVP by calling ArtsErie at 452-3427 or emailing info@artserie.org by July 2nd.

• CultureSpark Cultural Organizations Forum: Representatives of arts, culture and heritage organizations, cultural businesses (galleries, workshops, dance studios, etc.) and community-based organizations that provide cultural programming are invited to attend the CultureSpark Cultural Organizations Forum on Thurs., July 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Downey Hall, Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul (134 W. 7th St., Erie). RSVP by calling ArtsErie at 452-3427 or emailing info@artserie.org by July 6th.

CultureSpark will also provide opportunities for participation through other forums and task forces that will address the specific issues that are identified in these open meetings. In addition, a working committee and a steering committee are forming to help organize and work through the process of developing a creative vision for Erie County.

“Studies show that arts and culture are vital to stimulating economic development. We anticipate that CultureSpark will be a catalyst for the continued revitalization of Erie County,” says Charlotte P. Mashyna, ArtsErie Executive Director, who coordinates CultureSpark with Robert F. Wooler, Director of The Nonprofit Partnership.

The final CultureSpark plan will incorporate a vision for cultural development; goals with specific strategies, expected outcomes, proposed implementation responsibilities and timelines; and a process to review implementation progress. CultureSpark will also generate ideas for arts and cultural organizations to jump-start how to think about marketing, message, tactics and partnerships.

The planning process began in May 2009 and is expected to conclude in April 2010. Participation on a community-wide basis is encouraged. Contact Charlotte P. Mashyna, ArtsErie Executive Director, or Allison Counasse, ArtsErie Marketing Associate, at 814-452-3427 for more information.