Body: Council Type: Document Meeting: Committee Date: 2019 Collection: Agenda Attachments Municipality: Frontenac County
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/frontenac-county/Item Attachments/Agenda Item/2019/September/2019-093 Community Development Advisory Committee Development of a Frontenac Arts Strategy/Development of an Arts Strategy for Frontenac County.pdf)
Document Text
Report 2019-093 Committee Information Report To:
Chair and Members of the Community Development Advisory Committee
From:
Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development
Date of meeting:
September 12, 2019
Re:
Community Development Advisory Committee – Development of a Frontenac Arts Strategy
Recommendation Be It Resolved That the County of Frontenac pursue the development of an arts strategy in 2021; And Further That the foundational work to recruit project partners, attract project funding and improve operational capacity be undertaken in 2020 to achieve this end. Background During the 2018 budget process, Mr. Jonas Bonnetta made a proposal to County Council to undertake the development of an Art Fund or artist incentive program. His experience working with musicians and other artists at his studio in Mountain Grove showed an economic impact in the community for accommodators, restaurants and other retail operations. Mr. Bonnetta’s proposal piqued the interest of council and he was referred to the Community Development Advisory Committee. His presentation is available as the appendix to Report 2018-010. In response to direction provided by the Committee, staff produced report 2018-124 providing further background and context. In addition, staff engaged the Kingston Arts Council (Arts Kingston) to determine their interest in partnering for the development and delivery of arts funding in Frontenac. Arts Kingston indicated a need for the County to first develop a baseline needs study and engagement strategy to ensure the proposed direction fits the desires of the Frontenac artist community. Since then Arts Kingston has seen changes in staff and project responsibilities and are unable to lead any implementation of a Frontenac baseline study or funding program, but would be willing to participate as a stakeholder in the
development of an Arts Strategy for Frontenac County. Once a strategy is in place, Arts Kingston could re-evaluate the role they play to serve artists in Frontenac. Discussion The evidence of an existing arts community in Frontenac County and the documented success of arts engagement programs in other communities as explored in Report 2018124 provides a basis for the County to consider engaging in the development of an arts supportive strategy for the following purposes:
To improve and beautify our communities through public art;
To support the success and growth of local artists;
To attract new residents and creative businesses to the region.
The Economic Development team currently is managing programs and projects at capacity. The successful growth of the Frontenac Ambassador Network and development of the Frontenac K&P Trail have contributed significantly to department capacity. Staff recommend that the County pursue the development of an arts strategy in 2021 and foundational work to recruit project partners, attract project funding and improve operational capacity be undertaken in 2020 to achieve this end. Strategic Priorities Priority 1: Get behind plans that build community vitality and resilience in times of growth and change - The Charter for Economic Development (2015) is identified as an initiative that should continue to guide community development efforts. Local Food and Beverage is one of the three main pillars in the Charter. Understanding and addressing barriers to local food and beverage production supports this pillar of Economic Development. Financial Implications There are no financial implications included with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Community Development Advisory Committee Local Farms and Food Producers Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation
Recommend Report to Community Development Advisory Committee Development of a Frontenac Arts Strategy September 12, 2019
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Richard Allen From: Sent: To: Subject:
Kirsi Hunnakko kirsi@artskingston.ca May 17, 2019 2:27 PM Richard Allen participation in Frontenac County arts strategy development
Follow Up Flag: Flag Status:
Follow up Flagged
Hi Richard, Happy Spring! I hope all is well. My apologies for the delay in getting back to you. It has been one thing after another here. Despite this, I have been giving thought to how the KAC may be able to participate in your initiative to develop an arts strategy, and possibly an arts funding program, for Frontenac County. Unfortunately at this time, the Kingston Arts Council is facing limitations on our capacity that impact our ability to take on new projects. While the work you are doing aligns with our interest to further understand and support (as we’re able) artists, arts organizations and arts professionals in our region, a small staff and significant constraints on our time mean that our involvement will have to be modest at this time. That said, I would be pleased to be involved as follows:
- I would be happy to participate on a project committee for the development of an arts strategy, part of which may include a community consultation to further understand the demographics and needs of the County’s arts community. Through this channel, as well as through ongoing conversation with yourself, I can continue to offer my guidance, connection to our network, and expertise in regards to the arts landscape, best practices, and other available resources.
- We can provide communication of your efforts, milestones, and outreach through all of our promotional channels and in conversations with our network. Once an arts strategy or plan is in place, we can reassess the KAC’s involvement (e.g. regarding the administration of a funding program). Please let me know what you think. I’d also be pleased to hear about any progress you’ve made since our last conversation in terms of moving this initiative forward. And as always, I’m happy to meet by phone or in person for further brainstorming. Thanks, Kirsi Kirsi Hunnakko Executive Director
Kingston Arts Council Visit us at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning 115-370 King Street West Kingston, ON K7L2X4 1
www.artskingston.ca 613-546-2787
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