Meeting!

If you're interested in working on a Missoula Art and Culture Alliance, Cultural planning, arts districts, live-work spaces, etc... You are invited to an informational meeting at the Missoula Public Library on Tuesday, April 6th at 6:30 pm. I will present information about what cultural planning is, and how a long-term plan will help our arts communities, create economic development opportunities for Missoula, and create jobs. The presentation portion will be about 20-25 minutes, and then I will pose some questions for discussion. This first portion of the meeting will be helpful for anyone that is simply curious about this topic and wants to know more. The latter half of the meeting will be more about volunteering and serving on a committee. We'll keep time for each topic, and end the meeting at 7:30.

At around 7:15, I will propose a timeline for the next couple months, to give you an idea of what kind of work is needed right now, so you can ascertain your ability to volunteer or serve on the committee or other work group. I will stay until 8pm to answer further questions about the committee, which is now officially a part of the Missoula Cultural Council! I will also have links and handouts galore.

See you there,

Debby Florence

First Friday, March 5th

This month's First Friday was much more varied than usual.. and it was impossible to go see everything. Each venue was packed with people, the streets were lively, and I daresay it was almost too crowded to get to see much art. The whole thing starts with Mark Heyka looking at the First Friday Gallery Walking Guide I created and distributed all over, and wraps up with Charles Martin and I having a shoot-out. My favorite thing--- every environment I went into was different from the last: I listened to Irish music, then on to Gamelon music, and then to a rock band. Then out onto the streets to meet lobbyists, protestors and petition holders. All taking place almost simultaneously. My final stop was the Ceretana, where you'll see Jonathan's work in the photos.

Note that First Friday was packed, but its NOT tourist season. Thus we can deduce that the experience is meaningful for residents, and lots of them. This is very heartening. I'm no photographer, so trying to whisk my camera around while also participating was a challange to say the least. I feel that these are (blurry) pinpoint references to a (kind of blurry) 360-degree landscape. And you're missing out on a whole ton of interesting jibberjabber.

Anyway, on with the pictures.

Austin's Cultural Plan

I'm reading this today: Create Austin, The City of Austin's Cultural Plan, and thought I would share it. The level of detail is fantastic for those trying to get a more clear understanding about cultural planning. Check out their work plan.  Looking forward to First Friday tonight, and plan to make a post about it!  Take my survey!  :)

Cultural Plan Update:

Take My Cultural Plan Survey Here!

Read about the Cultural Plan and the Downtown Master Plan here

Since February 13th, I have spoken with over 40 arts and cultural leaders in Missoula about this issue. When I say leaders, I mean people who run community arts projects, people who show their art, people who perform often in our community, people who organize arts events, promote bands, run businesses. Also those who teach young people, use the arts to heal , and those who raise cultural awareness. Some are members of large organizations that contribute a ton to our city, some are involved with city government, some work at the University. Within about 2 weeks, I've talked directly with at least 40 people who play impactful roles in our community. And I have appointments with more. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has taken their time to give me feedback! Your encouragement and thoughtful input has been invaluable to me!

Speaking of which, I would like to get some of that on paper, so I can start to build a strong case. That's why I just created a survey-- It will take you 3 minutes + to fill out. The only reason it will take you more than 3 minutes is because I created optional spaces for comments. And I would LOVE your comments. But you dont have to. At least say if you agree with the idea of a cultural plan. Take the survey here. Its so short and it WILL matter. I need a pile of stuff to plop on people's desks! ---WOOSH! --If you're into this idea, I cant make a difference without you behind me. You are my supporting evidence.

Also, I am planning a meeting for those who want to get more involved. If you're interested in attending, email me. It is tentativly going to be Tuesday March 23, in the evening, so save the date!

Spread the word! Thanks!

Hey! Its the best collaborative art project ever!!!!!!!!!!

There is a big question mark in downtown Missoula right now. And with Macy’s leaving, economic uncertainty is on everyone’s mind. According to the Missoulian, John Engan has received proposals that could expand the role of art and culture in our city. In fact, a Cultural Plan is called for in the Missoula Greater Downtown Master Plan . This includes a Performing Arts Center and a Cultural District. Much of this is yet to be defined. That is where our window of opportunity resides. It might take a couple hours for you catch up on current policies, and spend a little bit of creative energy responding. But we need to articulate concrete plans and demand usable policies from our City Council and local organizations. This Cultural Plan can be the groundwork for true community arts and cultural advancement-- not to mention economic stimulus. (Read about Cultural Plans elsewhere)

As artists we’re really familiar with economic uncertainty. Many of us respond by collaborating to share resources. Sometimes we find success, but thus far our arts community still voices concern over fragmentation. Every arts group I interact with wishes for more unified support of the arts, cross - pollination between organizations, better community access.

We want to bring the arts to mainstream culture because we believe its transformative and brain-enhancing powers make children into better learners, promote civic engagement, and stimulate the economy. Just as importantly, we want to keep our talented artists and creative professionals (ahem…ourselves!) in Missoula, so we don’t give up and move to Portland. Plus, like many other small cities in the US and Europe, we recognize the value of collaboration over competition, and understand the economic value of multi-use spaces.

My dear, amazing artists, revolutionaries, and visionaries, I think there’s a new direction we can go with this desire. But it’s time to cross some friend-group lines. And, especially, some generation gaps. We can make far more productive use of our energy than writing business plans, grant proposals, seeking 501c3 status, and scraping together rent. Okay those things are important tasks, too. But, if we want to see something change in our arts and culture atmosphere, we must mobilize in a grassroots manner and be more effective, more vocal in the right places, with the right amount of research and evidence behind us. For example, I propose a bunch of us pitch in to bring some experienced cultural planners to Missoula to help us do this. But first more of us need to get up to speed on Missoula’s goals thus far.

Imagine if there were policies that protected a Cultural District so that artists had better (cheaper) access to living and work spaces. What if it couldn’t become gentrified, but remained a cultural hub? Check out what Boston has accomplished through zoning. They made an artist district that really seems to be working. In this way, separate organizations can maintain autonomous vision, individual artists dont have to become non-profit administrators ( if they dont want). Arts ZONING can help the very diverse visions flourish because maybe one arts space isnt the answer for everyone.

Skim this site, as there are a lot of resources...

Also , Linda McCarthy, Director of the Missoula Downtown Association, wrote something great in InBusiness last week: "Next generation of workers wants what Missoula offers"

I ask you to join me in bridging longstanding gaps between organizations and businesses in our town. This work is already happening, which excites me. But more leadership from the "alternative arts" community is needed. If you have felt left out of the process, this means you. We are in a position where our creative capitol has huge economic value, but we have to put down our egos and be willing to cross into strange territory to make a difference. You’re probably right to be turned off by politics, but I am telling you, that political landscape is where our opportunity sits, and we would be wise to get involved.

Here is what you can do right now :

-Read a lot. Read the Downtown Master Plan.

-Read past articles in the Missoulian and Independent, and read all the links I included above.
- I want to hear what you think, or how your area of expertise can inform this subject.

Here are some things we can do together:

1) Form a diverse group of arts and cultural leaders to advocate for changes in the role of arts in Missoula
2) Advocate for the Cultural District that is called for in the Downtown Master Plan.
3) Advocate that commercial and industrial zoning be amended to include Live-Work spaces for artists

If you’re an active artist in Missoula, your involvement is needed at any level, even if meetings are not your thing. Stay tuned on Artmelt as well, I will post more updates here. Also, feel free to comment to this post. Are you already involved ? Can you help me learn more?

Mi Chacra (My Land) by Bozeman Flimmaker - Jason Burlage

Jason Burlage, a Bozeman Filmmaker, was kind of enough to send us some info about his Film Mi Chacra, which will debut in Montana for the first time at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival on Friday February 19th at 5:30pm.  So be sure to support a fellow Montanan at one of the Northwest's premiere documentary film festivals.

“This documentary takes you into the real life of Feliciano, his family, his land, his terrible doubts, and his dreams. No stereotypes, just life, beautiful and cruel at the same time.  I love the honesty of Mi Chacra and was touched by the patient and beautiful approach to this Peruvian reality,” said Roberto Forns-Broggi, a native of Peru and Spanish professor at Metro State College of Denver who introduced the film at the Denver Film Festival.

Press Release info after the jump

Pointing at the moon 3-05-10 @ the Ceretana