I was on an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River when my mom and aunt were in town (which while I was at first reluctant to go on, was one of the most intriguing treasure troves of information on my own city I've found so far - highly recommended) when I first learned that River North, that burgeoning neighborhood just north of the Loop full of restaurants and clubs and businesses of all shapes and sizes, truly got its modern day start as an artist collective. Naturally, these days most of the artists have been priced out of that trendy neighborhood, a problem all of its own, but it speaks to the power of the arts to revitalize a city, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, by bringing creativity, beauty, constructive outlets for passion, and the inevitable nightlife that comes with artists to an area.
This concept needs greater attention. Arts companies and service organizations need to start talking more with architects and development (in the building buildings sense) types to see where there might be mutually beneficial projects that could seed neighborhoods with relevant arts communities that will help the neighborhood grow.
As it is, there are some projects in Chicago, like the Cermak Creative District and the Bronzeville Urban Development that could use artists' input and collaboration. These projects might even find funding to help create art incubators and artist collectives and rehearsal spaces and performance spaces. Just so long as we make sure we're becoming a part of these discussions as a community and that the art that is being injected is organic to the neighborhood so that it can grow with the community.
[image credit: http://www.bronzevillebud.org]
Thanks to The official blog for crowdsourced placemaking for this information
ReplyDeleteThursday, February 03, 2011
Arts as proven economic driver in placemaking
Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit, obviously agrees with this. The facts from their “Arts and Economic Prosperity III” report may be more compelling: the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity annually, provides 5.7 million full-time jobs in the U.S. and generates nearly $30 billion in revenue for federal, state, and local governments every year where government spend less than $4 billion annually to support the arts (a 7:1 return).
Full article at http://bit.ly/ggVNC4
I also would like to draw attention to a big possibility for Chicago community based theater. Has anyone heard of the Lost Colony? Well for the past 73 years this play has been presented at an outdoor theater in North Carolina. It portrays the legend of the purported home of Virgina Dare, the first child born in the colonies at Roanoke in 1587. How is that for long running?
The point is that this play brings tourists from all over the world. Frankly I've seen it twice and I always think, Chinatown or Greek town or Bronzeville have stories this colorful and interesting; maybe we should follow the example of North Carolina.
Fantastic statistics there! There are obvious partnerships to be made as neighborhoods seek to turn things around.
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