Working to better shine the light on local arts, culture and heritage

There is no doubt that the Bradenton area is rich in arts, culture and heritage that reaches all four corners of the county, and that they are a vital component to our community and economic development. The arts and culture of an area not only brings a greater quality of life for its residents but also enhances tourism and attracts new businesses to the community.

There are so many of these organizations, it can be hard to collectively support and create awareness for all of them. In the past year and a half, a group of artists and cultural leaders have worked together to research and develop an overarching arts, cultural and heritage council for the entire Bradenton area.

Last fall, the group hosted two “artversations,” bringing together area arts, culture and heritage organizations and influencers to discuss the viability and need for a county-wide arts/culture/heritage organization. The result was overwhelmingly in support of the creation of a county entity that would assist, partner, collaborate and promote the rich cultural opportunities available for residents and tourists in Manatee County.

Through the Tourist Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners, funding was made available to hire a consultant that would provide the research, analysis and synthesis of data ending in a final report that will demonstrate a structure and a path toward the creation of this sustainable organization that meets the needs of all its stakeholders, constituents and partners.

The working group recently hired Ann Wykell, head of Social Sector Solutions LLC, who will research, develop and report on findings toward the viability of an overarching arts/culture/heritage council for Manatee County.

Wykell is reaching out to county-wide businesses, community and county organizations in July and August to get feedback relative to interest and support of the creation of a coordinating arts organization for Manatee County. From the research, Wykell will provide various business models and funding plans that could support the vision and mission of a county-wide arts organization. Wykell will deliver her final report to the working group this fall. Subsequently, the arts/culture/heritage working group will present it to the community by the end of the calendar year.

Members of the arts/culture/heritage working group include Jane Buckman, Longboat Key Center for the Arts; Joan Voyles, Anna Maria Island Cultural Connections; Heather Kasten, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance; Johnette Isham, Realize Bradenton; Norma Kennedy, Parrish Arts Council; Cathy Slusser, Manatee Clerk of Court; Susan Romine, Manatee Performing Arts Center; and Jyna Johnson, Manatee County Public Library.

We believe the time is now for the Bradenton area to embrace this dynamic arts/culture/heritage working group. Many communities have experienced great benefits with an overarching organization like this and we stand ready to support this initiative to help showcase our vibrant arts and culture community to not only our residents but to visitors alike.

For more information on the overarching arts/culture/working group, contact Jane Buckman, member of the ACHWG, at (941) 383-2345 or by email at jbuckman@ringling.edu.

This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Working to better shine the light on local arts, culture and heritage."