Community Perspectives

March 21, 2007

On behalf of Mayor Shirley Franklin, I want to thank you for contributing to the public process of gathering the vital data and opinions needed to guide our efforts around the delivery of art and cultural services to Atlanta. Your hard work and commitment to the City of Atlanta has resulted in several new initiatives and programming.

The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) has been engaged in several activities related to the community cultural planning process. The enclosed document Community Perspectives on Planning for the Future of Arts and Culture in Atlanta documents our final report on the input from the Atlanta Community. Through various efforts on many levels of city government, all areas identified in the planning process, Leadership, Public Funding, Facilities and Education & Awareness are being addressed.

Leadership:
The Mayor's review of the plan led to the creation of The Mayor's Task Force on Arts & Culture Funding

Public Funding:
The Mayor's Task Force on Arts & Culture Funding recommended the Cultural Investment Fund

Facilities:
The OCA will open the Southbend Cultural Arts Center this summer.

Zoning recommendations are being developed that will influence the inclusion of cultural amenities such as live/work space and cultural venues for projects like the Beltline and the Peachtree Corridor.

The Atlanta Civic Center has a new design under consideration that will incorporate new spaces for small productions.

Education & Awarness:
The OCA in partnership with the Atlanta Public School System implemented the CulturalExperience Project to ensure that every student will have an onsite cultural experience each year.

Public art workshops were developed and presented by the OCA and Fulton County Arts Council in collaboration with the Metropolitan Public Art Coalition. These workshops served over 200 artists in seven sessions and covered topics pertinent to all levels of experience.

The OCA received a 21 Century Grant to implement Preparing Atlanta's Youth for Success (PAYS), an after school program for sixth graders.

I am proud of the progress we are making in addressing the community responses to Atlanta's cultural health. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the arts in our city.

Yours for the Arts,

Camille Russell Love
Director, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs

Community Perspectives on Planning for the Future of Arts and Culture in Atlanta