Cultural Policy Public Forum

The Arts Council hosted a Cultural Policy Public Forum last Thursday, June 12. We reviewed last year’s priorities with updates, presented 2008-09 proposed priorities, and then opened the floor up for discussion. Just because the forum had an end time doesn’t mean our conversation has to end. Below you’ll find the list of 2008-09 proposed priorities. We want to hear your thoughts. Is this list complete? Is anything missing? Do you have suggestions for research topics? Even if you weren’t able to make it to the forum, now is your chance to weigh in on the issues facing our community. Let your voice be heard. Help us make a case for the arts!

Cultural Policy Priorities 2008-2009
DRAFT January 22, 2008

1. Raise public awareness of the need for increased individual giving to the arts in Pittsburgh

2. Demonstrate Pittsburgh’s leadership in the arts and promote the image of the region with a “seat at the table” with key constituent groups by:

• Maintaining a strong focus on the arts and culture for community wide activities
• Continuing to promote the inclusion of arts advocates on key boards, authorities and commissions in Western Pennsylvania and statewide
• Supporting the increase of state and local cultural tourism funding for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
• Continuing to participate in state and national Arts Advocacy efforts and other national events and conferences

3. Work closely with the ARAD board to maintain and increase the arts’ share of RAD funding

4. Continue to work with the Mayor’s and the County Executive’s offices on articulating arts agendas for the city and the county

5. Develop partnerships with other research organizations to develop a collection of data that will advance the Arts Council’s efforts

6. Encourage the advancement of arts education in the region and work in partnership with other entities