San Rafael, CA – To maximize the creative potential of Marin County and secure its cultural richness for future generations, the Department of Cultural Services — in partnership with the Marin Cultural Association and arts leaders from all over the county — has developed an arts and culture master plan for Marin. Marin’s first cultural plan in 25 years, this important initiative, named Arts, Culture, Action, Marin!, is intended to document, capitalize, support, and enhance the county’s cultural resources to better serve all members of the community.
“Arts, Culture, Action, Marin!” aims to support and enhance the county’s cultural resources to better serve all members of the community. The plan is founded on Marin’s vision and its aspirations as heard through community discussions over the past six months.
More than 1,700 people participated in some 21 discussion groups, 28 interview sessions, five district forums, one launch event, an online survey, and a statistically valid random house survey. Participants answered questions regarding the current state of the arts in Marin, what an ideal future looks like and what is needed to achieve that model. The information gathering sessions generated the vision and priorities for the plan and laid the groundwork for the future of arts and culture for the entire community.
The public is invited to review, discuss, and provide feedback on the draft plan at a town hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall (10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael).
Some of the initial findings included the need for equity and access to the arts for all in Marin’s schools and underserved communities, stronger arts leadership, development of public art and art in our parks, services and support for artists and arts organizations, and a dedicated funding source for the arts. The planning team will take all feedback into account and finalize the plan before bringing to the Board of Supervisors for adoption in May.
A draft of the plan is available online for review along with a survey for feedback for those who can’t attend the town hall meeting.
From world-renowned musicians, to prolific fine artists and arts and crafts traditions, to cutting-edge film, performance and youth arts programs, Marin County has extraordinary cultural vitality. Yet currently, the county’s cultural resources are too-often diffused and disconnected, functioning without a cohesive vision and the necessary supports to truly thrive.
The goal in creating this plan was first to better understand and listen to the community. It now aims to support artists and arts organizations, reinforce the newly-created countywide Marin Arts Education Plan, and ultimately, provide the cohesive long-term strategy necessary to strengthen our cultural resources for the benefit of all who live and work in Marin County.
“A thriving cultural sector contributes to the long-term economic, environmental, social, emotional, and intellectual health of this beloved community—it benefits us all,” said Gabriella C. Calicchio, Director of Cultural Services. “We encourage everyone to get involved and share their voice in this important and exciting next phase of the planning process.”
For more info, go to marincultural.org.