Last week, in a two-meeting series, facilitators listened to the public’s opinion on what would be the best way to implement the Creative District’s vision of enhancing …
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Last week, in a two-meeting series, facilitators listened to the public’s opinion on what would be the best way to implement the Creative District’s vision of enhancing creative opportunities, engagement and resources in the arts community.
Created in 2020 through a partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), the Port Townsend Creative District is an effort to connect audiences with artists and expand living-wage opportunities for creatives who work, live and show in the city by providing resources and support to market their craft.
While the project is already running, an extensive plan for the next three to five years is still to be built.
Well attended by individuals in visual, literary, performing, culinary and makers arts, the discussion hovered around topics that emerged from previous community interviews.
On the top were the significant challenges around housing and affordability and the continuing shifts in the culture and economy in Port Townsend. The public also addressed the need to set clear priorities and focus for action for arts and culture along with stronger and more collaborative advocacy, data and sector leadership to ensure more resilience.
Followed by the failure of the Makers Square initiative at Fort Worden caused by the pandemic and a crumbling PDA, among other factors, the participants seemed leery of another project that would end up in just words in the wind.
When the groups were divided into four main topics, the discussions continued to be centered on affordability and diversity within the arts community. Access to grants and funding through the nonprofit was pointed to as a top priority alongside a directory that connects artists to potential audiences.
The latest is already running and now actively enrolling new artists.
This was the third public convening before a strategic plan is to be created. So far, the Creative District has been instrumental in the reinvention of Soundcheck, a multi-disciplinary arts festival with more than 100 artists that happened in multiple venues in August, right before the Thing Festival.
The lighting of Tyler Plaza was funded by the project and has been home to outdoor dances and busking.
