The vision for the emerging downtown Covington Arts District is to create a place where artists can work, play, live and make a living. The city is working to make sure that the vision becomes real. That’s why local officials are looking at some changes and improvements in how the Arts Districts supports Covington area artists through a six-month review released in May.
A concrete business plan will soon follow the review and the public will get a look at the future of the Arts District.
Until then, the review gives a glimpse of the direction in which the budget could focus in 2009-2010. It shows that the city is recommitting itself to the mission of the arts district, which at its heart is to “attract art, artists, and the creative process to the community.” That means making sure Covington is place that the creative class wants to be, and where they can thrive financially and creatively.
“For the next two years, our efforts will be spent on making existing artists, art businesses and organizations within Covington stronger in any way we can, and in the ways they need strengthening,” said Natalie Bowers, Arts District Manager.
The Art District is part of the city’s economic development department, which shows that Covington is making an investment in the arts as a way to develop the city core and keep it growing. The District got a big boost last year when it opened the multi-million dollar Covington Artisan Center, at 25 W. 7th St. It’s a place where artists can come together and share ideas on business and their crafts. The center offers free workshop and gallery space and conference rooms. In addition, business, art and marketing classes are also offered.
The city wants to make more use of the center by boosting event attendances, and offering more and varied arts related events. Creating a sense of cohesion among the artists and venues currently in Covington is also important.
“These are two essential components to the process of building a thriving arts community. Without social cohesion, we have silos, just a bunch of isolated artists working in their shops and organizations putting on a bunch of uncoordinated events that really don't give the community an opportunity to support them in the way they deserve,” Bowers said.
In addition, in the next two years the district will focus on a number of initiatives including reviewing current zoning rules and financial incentives in the district, updating its web site and creating an e-newsletter, rebranding the arts district, and increasing monthly attendance at the gallery hop.
“And we as a city function must demonstrate a commitment to the vision of a cohered community by first convincing the existing stakeholders we are serious about it by first placing them in a position that conveys to them that they matter, they are part of the core offering. This means delivering on things they value, and creating value for them,” Bowers said.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Natalie Bowers, Arts District Manager, City of Covington
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