“A New Course For Inspiration ”

“A New Course For Inspiration ” A Strategic plan For The Arts Council of Erie ~The Source for Inspiration~ July 2006

A sincere Thanks to Erie Arts Endowment Andrea Kaiser of Cultural Consulting Services Wellesley, MA Bob & Diane Banks For their hospitality

And also TO… • Arts Council Board of Trustees • Steering Committee Members • Task Force Members • Key Interviews • Round Table Participants • Focus Group Participants

Goal of the Planning Process • To develop a practical and achievable three-year strategic plan which will insure that the ongoing mission and direction of the Arts Council meet the needs of the community and the arts organizations it serves.

Process Review… • Board Retreat • Development of New Vision and Mission Statements • Task Forces Established • Interviews with Key Community Leaders • Round Table Discussions • Educators • Funders • Arts Organizations • United Arts Fund Grantees (Directors & Board Chairs)

Process Review Continued… • Focus Groups • Senior Citizens • College/Young Professionals • High School • Social Services • Religious • Parks & Environmental • Artists & Arts Faculty • Restaurants & Entertainment • Business and Professional • Arts Related Businesses • Organizations Serving Youth

Governance: To strengthen the infrastructure of the Arts Council of Erie through a well-defined plan for governance. • Determine the future structure and function of the Board. • Strengthen board and committees • Provide ongoing sound financial oversight • Insure Arts Council has continuity and leadership

Programs and Services: To provide programs and services which enrich the cultural lives of artists, arts organizations, and the citizens. • Provide leadership for the arts and the arts community. • Provide programs that effectively benefit the Erie community. • Provide direct services that effectively benefit the Erie community.

Membership: To provide opportunities for access, information, networking and other services to those engaged in community arts activity. • Expand direct community involvement with the Arts Council of Erie. • Increase Arts Council’s impact on community

Resource Development: To increase the resources available to the Arts Council of Erie so that it can achieve its mission of leadership, financial support, education and advocacy for the arts. • Provide additional unearned revenue to meet the growing budgetary needs of the Arts Council. • Increased earned income of the Arts Council. • Increase use of in-kind goods/services to support the Arts Council.

Marketing: To put the Arts Council of Erie on the map as a “hub” for arts and cultural leadership, information, programming and advocacy. • Clarify or reposition the identity of the Arts Council of Erie • Develop a marketing plan

Next Step • Share the plan with the community • Utilize information gathered to implement the plan • Keep the community informed of our progress

Arts Council Contacts & Contact Information • Karen L. Imig, Board Chair • Peter Kalivoda, Board Vice Chair • Mark Murphy, Treasurer • Paula Barrett, Secretary • Charlotte Mashyna, Executive Director • 3 E. 4th Street, Suite 10, Erie, PA 16507-1426 • 814-452-3427 phone, 814-452-3128 fax • Info@artscounciloferie.org • www.artscounciloferie.org

“A New Course For Inspiration ”