04-21-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes April 21, 1997 Page 2 4. Citizen Leo.que Report on Arts - Bob Minton and Louise Kuester Bob Minton presented a report from the Citizens League entitled "Why the Elk River Area Needs the Arts". He stated that the Citizens League selected a study in the area of arts as they felt it was valuable to bring the otherwise national and state debates to a local level for open discussion and examination to see what the value and benefit of the arts are to the community. Mr. Minton also stated that the study would like to explore how support, both participative and financial, can best be created if the community sees value in the arts. Louise Kuester stated that after comparing Elk River with the peer sites and the national picture, the Citizens' League had the following key findings: · Importance of a positive relationship between the local schools and arts communities. Elk River local arts suffer due to lack of rapport between the school and its arts community, especially with scheduling school facilities. Locally, arts-related activities are not recognized as a tool for economic development. There is no dynamic central leadership for coordination or fundraising. Even though the Elk River Arts Council does a good job with the limitations it faces, there is a lack of networking and coordinated leadership among local arts groups. Fundraising is inhibited because arts groups have not worked together even though the potential for raising big money locally is good. Since Elk River found ways to incorporate arts with history, it could build upon history to establish an identity. 6. A community identifier is needed to market the arts in Elk River. Some type of arts facility would serve to connect the local community with others and provide greater access to the arts. People are in 'general agreement that arts are important to the community. Almost 50% of local respondents support or participate in local activities in some way. 10. The League identified no dominant opinion in answer to questions about the adequacy of local opportunities in the arts and cultural activities. 11. A modest majority of people were willing to spend some public funds to support local arts activities. Louise Kuester stated that key recommendations from the Citizens League were to develop a process to create cooperation between the schools and various arts groups, improve local financial support, market the arts as a part of economic development strategies, recognize active leaders in the arts more