Team Summaries To Date - Jul & Aug 2008

Here's a brief summary of what each team is working on to date:

Aurora:

Team is assessing existing community assets and gathering demographic information. A meeting is scheduled for September with community leaders as well as a viewing of DOCA’s 2028 presentation. Team held a discussion about the 1993 Cultural Plan and discussed what needs updating. Some topics of particular importance include accounting for the changes in the community’s ethnic diversity, redefining arts education to include after school and life-long learning, and also allowing for changes in technology. They will seek public input into the process through a variety of means including paper and online surveys.

Colorado Springs:

Working with the city's existing “Dream City” program, they are planning an Arts Summit for October. They are using Dreeszen’s book “Community Cultural Planning Guidebook” as a way to maintain momentum and establish their team's timeline. The team held an in-depth discussion about defining their region, defining what "culture" means to them, who will take ownership of the plan when it's complete, and how can they “come into their own” as a region. The Arts Summit in October will be an important opportunity to gain community feedback, and much planning needs to take place in the next two months to prepare for this event.

Cortez:

The team finally confirmed a facilitator. Two committees need to work in concert – one is CCPP group, other was formed to research feasibility of building a Performing Arts Facility. Team is working on a combined mission statement. Feedback will be solicited from the public to help assess how community values arts and culture, and the team needs to focus on building more support for the arts in the community. Discussions included economic impact of the arts and how it will change in 20 years, and who will take the reins over the plan. The idea of creating artist networking opportunities also was put out to the group.

Englewood:

Connecting with the current plans already underway for a Cultural Arts Facility, the team will produce a community survey to gather feedback on culture in Englewood; they will also plan a one-year trial program.

Glenwood Springs:

Team drafted and mailed letters to Garfield County commission candidates discussing importance of culture in their County; drafted and sent press release to Glenwood Springs Post Independent. The team also met with a city developer to learn more about overall city’s design standards and comprehensive plan. They held discussions about broad-reaching topics including forming citywide cultural district and department, and seeking alternative financing. A public reception will be held in November to introduce residents to the CCPP process.

Lakewood:

Team is currently exploring demographics, audience profiles, and creating a process for gathering community input. Discussions included how they can encourage people to choose Lakewood as their preferred place to live, work & play, as well as how they define their constituents.

Monte Vista:

The team is compiling “wish lists” for creating opportunities for culture in the community to be organized and prioritized; They also prepared a list of the town’s current cultural assets and accomplishments focusing on recent growth as well as past accomplishments. This list will be shared with civic leaders and will help guide their entire team planning process.

Steamboat Springs:

The team looked at past community plans as well as discussed the “Vision 2030” plan (an existing city plan). Team will work with the V2030 group to write the arts and culture section in exchange for the sharing of general information and overall community demographics. A focus group will also be formed to discuss research. The team will hold discussions about the community’s identity and how to engage the most diverse range of people.