Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts & Culture

The Arts Commission announces Official launch of Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts and Culture and Arts and Prosperity II: Economic Impact of the Creative Communities in Northwest Ohio

TOLEDO, OH – The Arts Commission, in partnership with the City of Toledo, LISC Toledo, Toledo Community Foundation, and stakeholders in all sectors of the city have published the Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts and Culture “Celebrating Creative Communities”, a set of objectives using the collective voices of residents, artists, and neighborhood leaders that will be included in the City of Toledo 20/20 Plan. This document supports cultural vibrancy, economic revitalization, to connect and grow the rich network of creative life that exists in Toledo.

As an integral part of this planning process, a special focus was given to eight neighborhoods in and around the Downtown area. Starting in late 2013, the planning committee held community meetings in East Toledo, Warehouse District, Olde North End, Old West End, Uptown, Old South End, the Dorr Street Area and the Cherry Street area to gather ideas to make the plan relevant, effective, and actionable. Neighborhood reports for each of these communities are included in the plan.

http://issuu.com/theartscommission/docs/tspacr_2015plan_lores

In addition to the plan, we will roll out Arts and Prosperity II: Economic Impact of the Creative Communities in Northwest Ohio, provided by The Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). The report details the economic impact of creative industries in the 27 counties of Northwest Ohio. It was funded by the Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (TACL) and BGSU.

“The plan builds a collaborative consensus among varying sectors of our community about how arts and culture affect and improve the quality of life in our community. It is a vital asset in continuing to attract new development and funding sources that will positively impact our city,” said Marc Folk, Executive Director of The Arts Commission. “It is a call to action, not just for our local creative community, but for a celebration of the unique culture of the neighborhoods that connect and hold our greater downtown area together. We’re delighted to release this plan in partnership with Art and Prosperity II, which proves the positive financial impact the arts have on our regional economy.”