Town Hall Update: Uncovering Findings from Community Discussions
MARCH 17, 2022
Blog Contributors: Morgan Kasprowicz, Director of Research and Special Projects and André Solomon, Manager of Programs | Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
his article is the second of a three-part series. Read the first part here.
You made your voice heard, and it's time for us to share all that you said! The following summary of our findings and supporting quotes will help shape our work for years to come, but it is our hope that all artists and arts organizations will also find some nuggets of information that may guide their process as well.
The information you contributed to our Town Halls and surveys was categorized into 10 primary findings. Half of these findings reflect the arts community’s sentiments while the other half provides renewed direction to the Arts Council. The primary findings are listed below in an interactive Prezi. Click on any of the findings to read related quotes directly from participants. You can scroll past this Prezi to read a summary of the findings or download a PDF with all findings and supporting quotes.
Summary of Findings
Concerning the needs and trends in arts and culture ecosystem:
The general public, artists, and cultural workers are all interested in receiving 101-education in arts and business practices, as well as resources to better connect the public with the arts.
Artists need access to resources and exposure. A primary need is accessible, inclusive, and affordable space for creation and presentation of work.
The people that make up the arts and culture community are not okay and are feeling the weight of a lack of social safety net.
Small organizations seek operations support.
Arts industry workers seek community, connection, collaboration, such as networking, mentorship, and information sharing.
Concerning the Arts Council’s role:
The Arts Council needs to clarify its audience and its offerings.
Arts accessibility programming and resources were an important part of past work at the Arts Council. There is interest in this work continuing and/or reigniting.
Easily accessible and transparent industry data continues to be useful to arts organizations, artists, and other stakeholders.
Arts Council staff is seen as most effective when actively engaged with the community.
Artsburgh is not currently functioning as the “one-stop shop” for arts audiences or organizations, as it was originally intended.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Town Halls, please contact Sarah Schreck.
