Thursday, January 19, 2017

Creative Watershed: Duluth Arts + Culture Plan: Thursday, Jan. 19, 5-7 p.m.

Duluth Public Arts Commission announces the formal release of Creative Watershed: Duluth Arts + Culture Plan

What: Official Release of the Creative Watershed: Duluth Arts + Culture Plan
When: Today, January 19, 2017, 5:00-7:00pm (short program at 6:00 pm)
Where: Mayor’s Reception Room, Room 405 City Hall, 411 W 1st St., Duluth, MN 55802
Who: Public is invited, hosted by City of Duluth Public Arts Commission (DPAC)




[Duluth, MN] - Featuring textile art by Kirsten Aune and Lisa Fitzpatrick, music by The Sound of Strings Trio, and refreshments by Zenith Bread Project, the public is cordially invited to celebrate the release of Creative Watershed: Duluth Arts + Culture Plan. The celebratory event will take place from 5-7 pm on January 19, in Duluth City Hall, 4th floor Room 405 with a short program to commence at 6 pm.

The Duluth Public Arts Commission (DPAC) contracted consultants Forecast Public Art and Creative Community Builders of St. Paul and Minneapolis to facilitate the development of Creative Watershed, which included gathering feedback and direction from approximately 80 regional stakeholders over an 18-month process.

One of the plan’s early recommendations was to relocate and better connect DPAC with a City department. DPAC is happy to report that the Commission's new home is with the Business and Economic Development Department. Jason Hale is the staff liaison, and Gary Anderson is DPAC’s City Council representative.

Surrounded by local art, music and artisan food, the short program will highlight some of the major features and recommendations of Creative Watershed, a document that has been endorsed by the Duluth City Council and that is intended to guide the future vision and collaborative efforts of DPAC its public and private partners.

The plan identifies 5 major goals, along with detailed recommendations for each:
1. Cultivate Our Talents: Arts Development and a Creative ‘Maker’ Economy
2. Activate and Connect Our Neighborhoods and Downtown: Creative Placemaking and Public Art
3. Amplify Our Message: Audience Development and Tourism
4. Capitalize Our Strengths: Infrastructure for the Creative Sector
5. Make It Happen: The Role of City Government -- Expand scope, partnerships, and resources for the City’s Arts Commission to
implement goals in this plan.

Creative Watershed: Duluth Arts + Culture Plan can be accessed at:
http://www.duluthmn.gov/boards-commissions/duluth-public-arts-commission/