December 3, 2007
Contact: Robin Meinhart, Downtown Liaison, (480) 312-2647
December 6 Community Design Studio Lecture Highlights
the importance and value of Artists’ Centers
Scottsdale’s Community Design Studio lecture series will feature Ann Markusen who has authored a study on Artists’ Centers and their impact on neighborhoods and economies on Thursday, December 6, 2007 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. Participants in Scottsdale’s Downtown Plan Update process, which is currently underway, have consistently expressed an interest in having an artist center incorporated into the Downtown.
Ms. Markusen’s 2006 study, titled Artists’ Centers, Evolution and Impact on Careers, Neighborhoods and Economies, was published in response to broad interest and response to a previous study that highlighted the arts’ hidden contribution to regional development. The 2006 study, which was funded through a foundation affiliated with the University of Minnesota Department of Urban and Regional Affairs, defines artists’ centers as dedicated spaces where artists are routinely welcome, where membership and access to programming are open to all comers, and where workspace, residencies, grants, mentorships and exhibition and performance space are available.
The 2006 study includes policy recommendations for artists, entrepreneurs and communities who wish to arts or improve upon existing artists’ centers. The 2006 findings on artistic space is the first of a trilogy, to be followed by a study on artists’ live/work and studio buildings and another on performing arts spaces.
For more information on Scottsdale’s Community Design Studio lecture series go to: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/planning/lectures.asp
To access the Artists' Centers study go to: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/projects/prie/aei.html and click on "Artists' Centers: Evolution and Impact on Careers, Neighborhoods and Economies"
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