Arts & Entrepreneurship

STRENGTHEN ARTS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ANCHOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Knoxville is a city of artists and entrepreneurs. Knoxville has been named ‘The Maker City’ by Etsy and named one of the top 25 best makers cities in the US by Popular Mechanics. Residents want to build on Western’s pride in having Knoxville’s only arts magnet elementary school, and expand the arts and entrepreneurship opportunities to enrich the lives of residents and create new economic activity in the neighborhood.

STRATEGY 1

Create an arts and entrepreneurship anchor that fosters creative experiences and skills among residents and attracts creative people from outside the neighborhood » Program on-site art and culture events, such as concerts, movies, dance, theater, exhibits, cookouts, etc. » Launch an Arts & Makerspace, for creative experimentation and invention and to serve as the site of an Artist in Residency program in conjunction with the on-site Artist Live-

Work Housing » Develop a micro-business incubator to support entrepreneurship opportunities through classes and individual coaching » Create a storefront where residents and neighbors can sell locally crafted goods, and local students can have internships to help staff the operations » Partner to provide food training opportunities and develop a shared community kitchen and culinary/kitchen incubator for individuals wanting to grow their catering businesses » Celebrate the local history and international culture through public murals and historical displays

STRATEGY 2

Engage residents in civic and community life and connect them to resources

» Maximize the number of Western Heights residents participating in supportive services through outreach and engagement activities » Increase civic engagement through resident associations, neighborhood watches, and community policing and safety interest groups » Actively support and welcome African residents into the community through English

As A Second Language classes, citizenship classes, and other community events » Establish an abridged senior center, with planned activities and space for seniors to gather and interact

STRATEGY 3

Secure access to the technology needed to connect to community resources, benefits, and education and job opportunities » Improve wi-fi access for Western Heights residents through the Emergency Broadband

Benefit » Expand fiber broadband services to improve connectivity » Continue to secure free or discounted tablets and laptops for residents through case management referrals

PARTNERS

• KCDC • City of Knoxville • Knoxville-Knox County CAC

STRATEGY 4

Support existing businesses in the neighborhood » Provide matching funds for existing businesses who need to make building upgrades so they can access the city’s Facade

Improvement Program » Connect existing businesses to business and entrepreneurship resources

OUTCOMES

• Western Heights residents can express themselves through art, dance, food, and culture and are given opportunities for new experiences and growth. • Western Heights residents have reliable internet connections and can access devices for educational, job, and health needs, as well as family entertainment.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

36% of residents do not have internet or wi-fi at home and another 33% only have internet on a cell phone 100% of residents have reliable, affordable or no-cost internet or wi-fi at home

TARGET METRICS