Last year, I was asked to chair the 2012 Cultural Vision Plan Process, the fourth such event of its kind. Every eight to ten years, the challenge is to assess the greater community agenda (themes, ideas, and issues) and determine how the cultural community at-large can facilitate movement and advancement of those community-wide opportunities.

In previous years, the vision plans were largely built around brick-and-mortar needs, such as the creation of Discovery Place in Uptown Charlotte and the establishment of a Cultural Trust. The most recent vision plan, however, is unlike any other.

Early indicators revealed several themes that universally resonated with participants:

• There is nothing that brings people of different cultures, demographics, religions, and backgrounds together more than the arts, sciences and history. The cultural vision must establish strategies and tactics to be the bridge builder that unites people with these three elements because nothing is better equipped to advance that greater community goal.
• There is a need to make sure cultural programming appeals to a broad audience and that there is a concentration on quality and variety to attract and retain the creative community. The question then becomes “How do we fund and take the necessary risks to serve diverse audiences?”
• The greater cultural community must continue to step up and play a major role in the life-long learning and education of our children. Each of us learn differently and the use of art, music, drama and dance to educate will open doors for many, where they were previously closed.

If you would like to contribute your thoughts, please click here to be a part of the Arts and Sciences Council community input process. It’s not too late to share your thoughts with us. The Arts and Science Council, also known as Mecklenburg County’s cultural icon, needs to hear from you. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to serve in this volunteer role.

By Pat Riley (President and Chief Operating Officer)