The Arts and Creative Economy Artist Survey Results & Next Steps
Williamsburg, Virginia Historic City. New Commerce.
Creative Economy as Economic Development Initiative • Human creativity – ultimate economic resource • Retain and attract professionals in growth sector • Complimentary economic diversification • Additional aspect to visitor’s experience
Background February 2011 - Arts District adopted and next steps identified Market incentives • 5 businesses, 28 jobs
Zoning regulations revised June 2012 Artists Survey reviewed by Arts Task Force - May 2012
Artists Survey • Artspace hired to administer & evaluate • Funding partners • • • • •
Busch Gardens College of William and Mary Colonial Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Williamsburg EDA
• Final results reviewed by Arts Task Force in May 2012
General Results • 67 artists interested in relocating to live/work space • Equals demand for 22 new units • Artspace’s minimum threshold is 35-40 units
• 73 artists interested in workspace only • Equals demand for 24 studio work-only spaces
General Results • 24 arts organizations interested in space in a multi-use arts facility • adds to demand for a multi-use facility
• Opportunity for an incubator project for creative workspace, businesses and organizations
Art Disciplines • Painting & Drawing (24% matches national) • Theater Arts (24% - higher than national) • Arts Instruction, Crafts, Fine Crafts, Digital Arts, Photography, and Writing • Art forms diversity is positive
Space Features • Gallery, General Studio, Classrooms, Retail Space (shows desire to earn income) • Ceramics/Kiln (18% - higher than national)
Demographics • Range of ages • 84% do not have children • Lack of diversity compared to 2010 Census
Next Steps • Share detailed results with funding partners and interested parties • Continue to promote the Arts District incentives to artists and creative businesses
Next Steps • Explore future workspace opportunities • Convene businesses in the Arts District to discuss business association, special events, Arts Month, marketing
Next Steps • Consider ways to physically identify the area as an Arts District • Respect the long term goal of creative people living in the Arts District as future initiatives are evaluated
Next Steps • Assist reuse and redevelopment opportunities