Theresa Cameron

Getting the Pulse: The Local Arts Agency Listening Post Part II

Posted by Theresa Cameron, Apr 22, 2011 0 comments


Theresa Cameron

Washington's Gorge Heritage Museum

As part of the Local Arts Agency Listening Post we asked if folks had additional comments beyond the specific questions in the survey, and several members took us up on it.

I had the opportunity to speak with Leigh Anne Chambers, the Executive Director of the North Central Louisiana Arts Council in Ruston, LA.

The North Central Louisiana Arts Council serves the five parishes of Lincoln, Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, and Union - one of Louisiana’s poorest regions.

The council used to receive funds from two separate grants from the state, but now they receive about half of that. They filled in the gaps with fundraising and memberships but they are still haven’t made up for the loss of the state monies.  

Leigh Anne is working hard to find support from new and different sources because she wants to be sure to continue their outreach programs. Without these programs, there would not be many opportunities for children and youth to participate in the arts.

The school system relies on the classroom teacher to provide art to their students. There are no music or art classes so the arts council programs are vitally important for her region.

Also, they now have a four-day school week due to state budget cuts so there is even more of a need for the youth to have activities when they are not in school. Despite these struggles, Leigh Ann was very positive about the future and felt the arts would continue survive and thrive in Ruston.

Lloyd DeKay of the Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Alliance in Hood River, OR, sent us this:

“The arts, culture and heritage associations in our area have recently formed an alliance to:

•pool our resources for advertising and support;
•cooperate toward making our area a recognized destination location for arts, culture and heritage; and
•raise local recognition of the economic impact of arts, culture and heritage.|

In the process we've experienced an almost viral expansion of our networks and have seen an incredible increase in the enthusiasm and efforts of all our alliance organizations. [We] don't know if it will continue but it appears to be a long-term effort that is likely to be successful.”

The staff of Americans for the Art will use the Listening Post results, and additional comments like those, as a guide for developing programs and services that are relevant and timely to help LAAs adapt to the changing economic landscape.

How is your local arts community doing?

I hope you will comment and share resources and ideas about your community.

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