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The organizations
and cultural nonprofits that make up the Spencer Alliance for
a Creative Economy, or SPACE, are hosting a regional gathering
for cultural workers and other creative types in the northwest
Iowa region. The Clay County Cultural Convention and will
begin at 6 pm Tuesday, May 27, at the new Middle School in
Spencer.
Department of Cultural Affairs director Cyndi Pederson will be
the keynote speaker, presenting her views on the business of
art. She will also talk about the department’s new CHAT
program. CHAT—Culture, History, Arts Teams—is a new networking
program for Iowa’s cultural workers and their supporters, and
a reporting tool that will help document their activities and
generate more data about the economic impact they have on the
state.
A survey is being made available to area artists, professional
and otherwise. The survey is designed to collect data to help
SPACE better serve the artists’ community. The three-page form
includes questions about artists’ ability to earn a living
wage, needs for studio space and health insurance, as well as
questions about artists’ professional goals. The survey will
help organizers focus the convention to meet the needs of the
artists, so it is important that forms be returned to Arts on
Grand or to the Toad’s Coffee Roasting Outlet as soon as
possible, prior to the May convention. The information will be
compiled and results shared with those in attendance at the
Cultural Convention.
Information is being sought from a wide variety of
individuals. The definition of a cultural worker is
wide-ranging, including actors, writers, musicians, and
designers of all types as well as visual artists. Anyone who
handles art, creates art, or performs art will be included.
Chefs, dancers, hairstylists, tattoo artists—all are part of
the creative economy in northwest Iowa, and SPACE wants to
hear from them all. The data collected will allow SPACE and
other related organizations to better respond to the needs of
those creative persons located in this area. All data will
keep confidential.
Local cultural nonprofits will be present at the convention to
hold breakout sessions and listen to the needs of those
concerned. Several key persons will help conduct these
sessions, including Jane Goeken, Curtis Dean, and
representatives from the Parker Historical Society of Clay
County, Arts on Grand/Spencer Area Arts Council, Spencer
Community Theater, Spencer Municipal Utilities, and Mainstreet
Market. Those attending will be able to network and make their
concerns known to the participating organizations. In
addition, we hope to find new members and volunteers to share
in the great work that is making northwest Iowa a great place
for creative people to live and work.
The Cultural Worker Survey Form can be downloaded below, or
acquired from any of the following participating
organizations: Arts on Grand, Parker Historical Society of
Clay County, Spencer Community Theater, Spencer Public
Library, Spencer Community Schools Administration, Spencer
Chamber of Commerce, Spencer Municipal Utilities.
Any questions about this event should be directed to James
Schooley, 712-262-4320.
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