Archive Other Activities Summer 2009
Spaces for the Arts and Culture in the Saint Croix Valley
Theatre Associates of Stillwater is one of seven cultural organizations in the Greater Stillwater-Lake Elmo area working with the St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) to study the space needs of local artists and arts organizations. The group is exploring the concept of creating or sharing space to satisfy the growing needs of artists and cultural organizations in the region. Together we have raised the funds needed to contract with Artspace Projects, Inc. to conduct a cultural needs and use assessment to determine the type of facility local artists and arts organizations both need and can support financially in this region.
Artspace Projects, Inc. is the Minneapolis-based national organization whose mission is create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Artspace Projects is America’s leading nonprofit real estate developer for the arts. More info at Artspace USA (www.artspace.org).
The Study
This assessment consists of 3 parts:
Artist Market Survey. An online survey engaging up to 5,000 artists of all disciplines to determine their interest in affordable live-work projects, studio-workspace or shared space for the creation of art, rehearsal, performance or exhibit. The survey will be online from August 6 to October 1. To take part in this survey, please visit Artspace - Saint Croix Valley (www.artspacestcroixvalley.org).
Interviews with local arts and cultural organizations. In early 2009 Artspace interviewed 23 organizations to determine their current and future programming needs and how these programs translate into space needs.
Interviews with city leaders in Stillwater, Lake Elmo and Oak Park Heights. Interviews were conducted in Spring 2009 to determine each city’s interest in, possible financing of, and support for a future cultural facility of some type.
The Outcome
In December 2009, Artspace will provide their recommendations regarding what type of space is needed and financially feasible in the Greater Stillwater-Lake Elmo area. The results will be shared in early 2010 at a public meeting. A coordinated approach to creating space for arts and culture in our region will enhance the unique cultural character that attracts new businesses, sparks revenues and sustains a vibrant artist community.
A range of concepts could come out of this project: performing art space; artist live-work space, gallery space, exhibit space, office space, classrooms, and space for creative for-profit businesses.
The seven organizations overseeing this project include:
- ArtReach Alliance
- Lake Elmo Regional Art Center
- The Phipps Center for the Arts
- Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- Theatre Associates of Stillwater – Performing Arts Steering Committee
- Valley Chamber Chorale
Convened by: The Saint Croix Valley Foundation
This website is shared by Theatre Associates of Stillwater (TAS) & Bridge Theatre of Stillwater, an emerging community theatre.