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

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

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. 4 th Street, Suite 10, Erie, PA phone, fax