Enriching Our Communities through Creative Partnerships
with Arts, Cultural Heritage and History:
Gloucester County 2010-2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In July 2009 the Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission
embarked upon a formal strategic cultural planning process. Broad-based
public input was encouraged throughout the 5-month process. Enriching
Our Communities through Creative Partnerships with Arts, Cultural
Heritage and History: Gloucester County 2010-2015 is designed as a
guide to bring together multiple resources and successful prototypes to
enrich Gloucester County‟s communities, businesses, and the daily lives of
residents.
Gloucester County‟s first formal cultural plan spanned 2003-2009. The
achievements from this plan brought a revitalized energy to the Gloucester
County arts and cultural environment during that time period. Many of the
achievements serve as a solid foundation on which the new Gloucester
County cultural plan has been built. Some of these include:

Created linkages with the Gloucester County Department of Economic
Development and various municipal economic development
committees.

Worked with municipalities by providing technical assistance, sharing
information and developing potential for collaborative projects such
as Woodbury‟s Neighborhood Preservation Oral History programs and
formation of the Greater Woodbury Arts Council; Swedesboro‟s Blues
and Jazz Festival [2008 and 2009]; Glassboro‟s “Southern Exposure”
visual art exhibits along downtown High Street.

Provided technical assistance to individual artists of all genres in
partnership with the South Jersey Cultural Alliance as well as
opportunities for high visibility through the tri-county project
“Southern Exposures”, annual juried art shows, artist-in-residency
programs through the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, formal and
informal partnerships with schools and festivals such as the
Gloucester County Italian Festival and the Swedesboro Jazz Festival.

Provided ongoing opportunities for diverse community-arts
organization partnerships including collaborations between Learning
Stages, a youth theater education organization, and the Wenonah
Middle School; the Swedesboro Jazz Festival‟s educational outreach;
the Italian Festival‟s partnerships with county-wide businesses.
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



Coordinated unique partnerships with schools including the Yokoma
International School of Japan in partnership with Rowan University
involving local high schools as sites for workshops and performances.
An especially unique „pairing‟ was between the Japanese students and
the AME Church choir for a lively gospel music concert.
Coordinated pilot outreach programs such as Literary Salons; “Form
in Art” workshops for the blind and legally-blind in partnership with the
Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Office for Educational and
Disability Services; life-long learning opportunities in oral history and
journaling at Woodbury Mews and mosaic workshops at River Winds
Community Center.
Convened high school arts educators and students to identify
needs and interests which resulted in a formal survey of all
secondary art students, a series of tours of professional artist studios
for Pitman and Glassboro high school art students, and hands-on
mural and mosaic workshops conducted by professional artists.
In times of economic instability it is often difficult to project future goals.
But in 2010, more than ever, the arts, cultural heritage, and history can play
a critical role in enhancing everyday life in our communities. Gloucester
County is rich in cultural resources starting with the historic Red Bank
Battlefield and Whitall House right up to the present day community-based
fairs and festivals fueled by regional artisans, musicians, and artists. Small
grants to local arts organizations demonstrate as much as a 10 to 1 return
on the investment. These grants fund programs serving Gloucester County‟s
children, young families, students, working class and professional residents,
and senior citizens of all backgrounds and ethnicities. Arts programs in
partnership with local libraries, parks and recreation, schools, Gloucester
County College, senior centers, and social service initiatives strengthen the
fiber of our communities on a daily basis. In the recent resident survey in
conjunction with this planning process, 84% of the respondents agreed
that “The arts, cultural heritage, and entertainment are important to
my lifestyle and to the quality-of-life in my community and in
Gloucester County.”
The major dilemma of this planning process was how to best mobilize the
limited resources for the best results and greatest impact. The demand and
expectation for quality arts and cultural heritage programs that respond to
the changing needs of our communities is great. This five-year cultural plan
attempts to lay out a road map that will allow arts and cultural programs to
thrive in a funding environment undergoing seismic shifts.
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More than 500 residents actively participated in the cultural planning process
through a series of stakeholder meetings, electronic surveys, one-on-one
formal discussions, and spontaneous informal conversations.
In an effort to make judicious use of limited staffing provided by one fulltime staff person, the plan focuses on building creative partnerships and
initiatives that can be published as replicable models for communities,
organizations, and alliances throughout Gloucester County. These initiatives
address an assortment of community issues such as economic development,
downtown revitalization, enhanced usage of natural resources in towns along
the riverfront and municipalities along the Kings Highway Corridor
designated for light-rail service, and improved electronic marketing efforts to
make residents aware of the many arts, cultural heritage, and history
programs and events in Gloucester County.
Throughout the data-gathering process specific essentials were frequently
repeated by different participants at different venues. These universal
values became the foundation of the Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage
Commission‟s updated Vision Statement:
The vision of the Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission is to
enrich our communities through the arts, culture, and history by:

Showcasing Gloucester County through its diverse towns,
neighborhoods, historic sites, fairs/festivals, cultural and natural
resources;

Encouraging and promoting the appreciation of individual creativity;

Cultivating imaginative leadership, collaborations, and individual
support;

Fostering expanded multi-generational participation in new nontraditional programs and settings;

Coupling the arts, culture, and history with sustainability and
greening initiatives.
The Vision Statement‟s elements are reflected in the Strategic Cultural Plan‟s
goals:
Goal Area One: Encourage the inclusion of the arts, cultural heritage, and
history as key components of downtown revitalization,
community capacity-building and creative partnerships in
county-wide economic development areas.
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Goal Area Two: Foster increased visibility and support for the arts, cultural
heritage, and history in Gloucester County through active
advocacy and promotion.
Goal Area Three: Foster expanded participation in and appreciation for the
arts, cultural heritage, and history through life-long
learning opportunities in the arts beginning with Early
Childhood education.
Goal Area Four: Provide encouragement and support to develop the
capacity of individual artists and grassroots arts, cultural
heritage, and history organizations throughout Gloucester
County.
Each Goal Area contains an overview of the data substantiating the Goal‟s
strategies and their impact. Successful implementation is based on
supportive leadership, collaborative efforts, creative use of resources, and
far-reaching electronic marketing.
Now, more than ever, the arts are vital to individual and community wellbeing. A vision statement from the Boston Foundation Arts Fund quoted in
the 2003-2008 Gloucester County Cultural Plan is even more relevant today.
The Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission is committed to
upholding these values as we implement this new plan for 2010-2015.
“The arts are critical to the work of building a healthy and livable
community. The working artist is integral to the life of a vital community
and a key participant in today‟s cultural and civic life. Arts and cultural
activities can inspire and teach people of all ages, introducing new ways of
seeing and valuing our neighbors and the world around us. The arts bring
us together to bridge established boundaries, explore common concerns,
and express and reconcile different traditions and views. The arts enliven
our neighborhoods, bringing us moments and places of beauty, hope, and
transformation. Community members and artists working together in
collaboration with nonprofit institutions make this happen.”
The Boston Foundation Arts Fund, 2001.
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GOAL AREA I: The Arts, Cultural Heritage, and History in partnership
with Economic Development throughout Gloucester County
Background: The residential survey conducted in September-October 2009
as part of this cultural planning process indicated a strong preference for
fairs/festivals and summer outdoor concerts. In addition, among the
primary factors that residents take into consideration when making their
arts/cultural heritage/entertainment choices are FUN!, quality, readily
available information, outdoor events, and family-friendly activities.
Overwhelmingly, resident respondents agreed with the statement
“Opportunities to participate in the arts, cultural heritage, and entertainment
are important to [my] lifestyle and to the quality-of-life in my community
and in Gloucester County.”
Revitalized downtowns respond to these criteria by providing opportunities
for people to engage with each other and creating a sense of “place” that will
attract people because they are pleasurable or interesting. Arts and cultural
heritage activities play a primary role in the downtown revitalization efforts
in Pitman, Swedesboro, and Woodbury. Seasonal arts and music festivals
and ongoing venues featuring musicians and artists shine a positive light on
these towns and their cultural and natural resources, historic sites,
downtown businesses, and the talents of individual artists.
Goal I:
Encourage the inclusion of the arts, cultural heritage, and history
as key components of downtown revitalization, community
capacity-building and creative partnerships in county-wide
economic development efforts.
Strategies:
A.
Provide input to key community leadership considering the feasibility
of projects that could include the arts in downtown redevelopment
areas.
1.
Provide technical assistance to municipalities interested in
establishing a Municipal Arts Advisory Committee.
2.
Share case studies of successful arts-related downtown
revitalization projects including:
a. community-based arts centers
b. community-based working artist studios
c. arts-related businesses
d. arts-related exhibit/performance/classroom spaces
e. temporary art exhibits in downtown retail/business venues
f. partnerships with art students/teachers for special projects
g. Links to www.coolcities.com and
www.sustainablecitiesnet.com.
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3.
B.
Continue to encourage and support arts and cultural heritage
fairs, festivals, and collaborative projects with high artistic
standards and inclusion of Gloucester County and South Jersey
artists.
Work collaboratively with County departments and municipalities on
projects that unify and inspire residents and visitors.
1.
Explore “gateway” projects that utilize original public art to
create a recognizable entry to a municipality, downtown area,
neighborhood including, but not limited to, murals and sculpture.
2.
Encourage downtown areas to work with artists to design and
create attractive streetscapes.
3.
Connect Gloucester County historical sites through consistent
signage.
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GOAL AREA II: Foster increased visibility and support for the Arts,
Cultural Heritage, and History in Gloucester County through
active advocacy and promotion.
Background: The residential survey conducted in September-October 2009
as part of this cultural planning process indicated that a major obstacle
preventing people from attending more arts, cultural heritage and
entertainment events in Gloucester County is that they are „unaware of
what‟s available in Gloucester County‟ [48.3%]. Residents indicated that „in
making leisure time decisions they primarily respond to‟ word-of-mouth
[70.1%], emails/websites [64.9%], newspaper advertisements [60.1%].
The Gloucester County Times was the #1 source of event information.
Receiving the least number of responses [16%] were the Gloucester County
website [www.co.gloucester.nj.us] and the Gloucester County “On the Move”
magazine.
It is important to recognize the generational differences in how residents
receive information for their decision-making process. Those respondents in
the age bracket 51-65+ tended to use newspaper articles/advertisements as
their primary source of information. Respondents under age 50
overwhelmingly use emails/websites as their primary sources. Notably, all
age groups respond to word-of-mouth.
Goal II:
Foster increased participation and support for the arts, cultural
heritage, and history through improved advocacy and promotion.
Strategies:
A.
Enhance the role of Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission
in spreading the message to Gloucester County residents about the
vital role of the arts, cultural heritage, and history:
1.
2.
The Commission‟s chairperson will ensure that the
Commissioners have the information they need to monitor
special re-grantee projects and key events throughout
Gloucester County by:
a. emphasizing the Commission‟s role and responsibilities,
upcoming events and reports at every meeting
b. working with Commissioners to identify appropriate regrantee/event assignments
c. developing quarterly assignment calendars
d. ensuring that Commissioners have completed feedback forms.
Commissioners will help to spread the word about re-grantee
programs and Gloucester County arts, cultural heritage, and
history events by:
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a. using their personal „universes‟ [friends, colleagues,
neighbors] to send emails and talk up programs and
events
b. helping to recruit a new generation of arts, cultural heritage,
and history participants:
1) consider actively involving young people in Commission
meetings and planning
2) encouraging and supporting new endeavors by young
artists
3) advocating for new programs for young families.
B.
Recommend the enhancement of the County website to include
easy access to up-to-date, appealing information about arts,
cultural heritage, and history events throughout the County:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Create a „one-click‟ access to this information.
Ensure that information is timely and inclusive of all the
information people need to make leisure time decisions.
Include linkages to arts and history websites for more
detailed information including volunteer opportunities
Recruit and supervise a qualified intern to enhance website.
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GOAL AREA III: Promote expanded appreciation and participation in
the arts, cultural heritage, and history.
Background: Data from the residential survey, student survey, and
meetings of large and small stakeholder groups indicate ongoing interest in
accessible, affordable high-quality, multi-generational offerings including
life-long learning opportunities in the arts, cultural heritage, and history.
Recent nationally-recognized studies show that meaningful arts education is
a critical link to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving,
decision-making, collaborative skills, civic engagement, and self-confidence.
These skills can be universally applied to all subject areas, all levels of
learning, and socio-economic backgrounds from children at risk to gifted
children. The benefits of arts education/experiences are life-long. Studies
show that people over the age of 65 who participate in the arts enjoy an
enhanced sense of well-being, confidence, and social interaction. In addition,
once individuals are involved in arts participation they make great efforts to
stay involved, overcoming barriers such as poor health or inadequate
transportation.
GOAL III: Foster expanded participation in and appreciation for the arts,
cultural heritage, and history through life-long learning opportunities in the
arts beginning with Early Childhood education.
Strategies:
A.
Coordinate a „model‟ collaborative project between an Early Childhood
Center and an artist-in-residence to provide a hands-on arts
experience for young children and their families. This will serve as a
replicable model for Early Childhood classrooms throughout Gloucester
County.
1.
Work with the Gloucester County College‟s Early Childhood
Studies and Day Care Center to develop a replicable model of an
structured Early Childhood arts experience facilitated by an
artist-in-residence.
2.
Identify artists with appropriate credentials for working in an
Early Childhood setting.
3.
Form an ad hoc group of Gloucester County College Early
Childhood educators and artists to design an age-appropriate
project with educational standards and measurable outcomes
that demonstrate the impact on children, families, and teachers.
4.
Seek project funding.
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5.
B.
C.
D.
Share model with Early Childhood centers throughout Gloucester
County.
Foster enhanced opportunities for high school art students to develop
skills and exhibit their art work.
1.
Work with Gloucester County College‟s Art Department and
Pitman High School‟s Art Department to develop a replicable
model of collaboration focusing on skill development and public
exhibition opportunities.
2.
Share model with high school art departments throughout
Gloucester County.
3.
Identify opportunities for students to explore potential careers in
the arts and design:
a. sponsor an Arts and Design Career Day at GCC:
-opportunities to meet working artists
-opportunities to meet working designers including
industrial design and applied arts such as welding,
bookbinding, computer graphics, fashion design,
accessories design, interior design, textile design
-opportunities to explore new trends such as green
product design and sustainability
Explore the potential for an „art awareness‟ program to demonstrate
the impact of arts education on test scores, math and science
comprehension, and cross-curriculum development.
1.
Create an ad hoc task force to develop a preliminary proposal
demonstrating the impact of arts education on student social and
academic development. [Year One: 2010]
2.
Meet with Gloucester County Superintendent of Schools to
assess the feasibility of providing a teacher enrichment seminar
on the concept of „art awareness‟ [Note: Joseph Salvatore
[PhD], a Pitman native and co-founder of Learning Stages,
regularly presents this course in his capacity as an NYU
professor.]
Explore new avenues for life-long learning opportunities in the arts for
senior citizens throughout Gloucester County.
1.
Meet with program directors at Woodbury Mews and Cardinal
Village [Washington Township] to assess the feasibility of on-site
arts programming as part of their Watermark Communities‟
status.
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2.
Identify program‟s scope in conjunction with Watermark‟s
commitment to life-long learning in partnership with Virtua
Health Services.
3.
Identify roster of qualified teachers and potential funding
sources.
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GOAL AREA IV: Promote the support of individual artists and
grassroots arts, cultural heritage, and history organizations
throughout Gloucester County.
Background: The residential survey conducted September-October 2009
as part of this cultural planning survey process indicated that more than 80
respondents define themselves as pursuing arts activities primarily as a
livelihood, as a secondary source of income, or for sheer enjoyment. The
majority of income-generating artists promoted themselves via website,
social networking websites, and email newsletters. When asked to select
their top five support needs as an artist, overwhelmingly the Most Essential
Needs identified were Audience Development and Networking with Other
Artists. Other top needs include Exhibit Space Opportunities, Local Income
Opportunities, Promotion/marketing/advertising Opportunities, Performance
Space Opportunities, and Studio Space Opportunities.
Visual artists indicated that their primary sources of income from their
artwork is in the area of commercial work [graphic, design/illustration] and
exhibiting in professional galleries. Half of the respondents indicated income
sources of classes/workshops/lectures in the art form; outdoor
festivals/fairs; and internet sales.
Performing artists fell into the categories of Music/Vocal and
Music/Instrumental. All respondents indicated their primary venues as
fairs/festivals; schools; and „other‟. 75% of the respondents indicated their
primary income from Regularly Performing Professionally, followed by 50%
Regularly conducting classes/workshops/lectures.
Recent statistics presented at the INNOVATION PHILADELPHIA conference
indicate that in October 2009, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 10.2%.
In Philadelphia, the rate has risen to an astounding 11%. A Federal Reserve
Bank of Philadelphia survey of private economists this week did not offer
much hope, “The job market looks weaker now than it did three months
ago.” But for the Creative Industry worker this indicates „Opportunity‟.
Creatives are seeing new contracts for freelance work and increased
resources to find creative work within a company. Creative workers are
arguably best equipped to pull through successfully. Creative professionals
have always been society‟s idea generators by their very nature. A hunger to
innovate, to change a product for the better is part of a creative‟s natural
talent. It seems now there is a shift of power to these creative „idea
generators‟. [“Innovation Matters”, Volume 2, Issue 25, November 18,
2009]
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Goal IV: Provide encouragement and support to develop the capacity of
individual artists and grassroots arts, cultural heritage, and history
organizations throughout Gloucester County.
Strategies:
A.
B.
Identify opportunities for individual artists to share their skills and
talents county-wide:
1.
Encourage municipalities and business associations to include
individual artists in their planning efforts.
2.
Encourage human service organizations and schools to sponsor
residencies for individual artists in client- and student-based
programs and curriculum development.
3.
Convene workshops for individual artists to educate them about
sponsored residencies and volunteer roles in diverse settings.
Explore new models and venues for broad public recognition of
individual artists:
1.
Identify innovative exhibit opportunities for emerging artists.
2.
Identify and encourage non-traditional performance venues for
community-based performing arts organizations/programs.
3.
Identify unique collaborative models bringing together individual
artists with heritage/history programs such as “Once Upon A
Nation”, Living History actors, era-appropriate music/musicians,
historically accurate artisans.
C.
Encourage opportunities for individual artists to come together as
colleagues at Salon Nights in partnership with groups and venues
supportive of the arts, culture, and sustainable greening initiatives
such as:
1.
Greater Woodbury Arts Council
2.
Heritage Winery [Rich Heritage]
3.
Bus Stop Café, Pitman
4.
Swedes Inn, Swedesboro
D.
Encourage economic development/downtown revitalization initiatives
to include action steps to respond to identified revenue-generating
potential of artists and sustainable greening initiatives including, but
not limited to:
1.
community-based art centers in vacant retail buildings
2.
restaurants/cafes showcasing visual artists and musicians
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3.
4.
E.
artist cooperatives
Short film, music, and arts festivals
Host a South Jersey arts and history organization summit in
partnership with the South Jersey Cultural Alliance to highlight
“Outside-the-Box” models: [Year 3]
1.
Illustrated in Goal IV‟s Strategies A, B, C, D
2.
Hosted in Gloucester County
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METHODOLOGY
The Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage‟s 2010-2015 cultural plan is built
on a solid foundation of multi-facetted data-gathering ranging from
stakeholder meetings, surveys, and key informant interviews. Analytic dataclustering and prioritization produced a specific, achievable, and measurable
action plan responsive to the needs and interests of county residents and
key stakeholders as well as the economic realities of the next few years.
Stakeholders‟ Meeting #1:
Twenty-five stakeholders representing a broad range of ages, backgrounds,
involvement in the arts and cultural heritage, and communities throughout
Gloucester County met on August 26, 2009 at the Heritage Winery in
Richwood to participate in a wide-ranging discussion facilitated by Kathleen
Cavanaugh, arts planning consultant. After an overview of the Commission‟s
purpose and goals by its director, Diane Macris, participants were asked
provide a brief overview of their personal involvement in the arts and
cultural heritage.
Small group discussions focused on a series of universal criteria[in boldface].
Each small group reported back to the large group for additional input. Key
points from the lively group discussions include:
 Encouraging and supporting the work of individual artists:
-envision currently-vacant spaces as potential for arts-usage including studio
space for individual artists
-create community-based connections for artist communities
-provide mentoring opportunities for artists
-talk with businesses about providing space to exhibit original art work.
 Fostering expanded participation in the arts, culture, history:
-develop an „art campaign‟ to stress the importance of arts education for
all students and the relationship between arts education and literacy,
mathematics, science, student motivation, and social competence
-recruit and educate citizen arts advocates
-develop replicable models of Early Childhood Education arts initiatives
-develop and encourage lifelong learning/arts experiences.
 Building generational participation with new, non-traditional
points of entry to the arts, culture, and history:
-develop student-based „living history‟ projects e.g. grandparent interviews
-identify restaurants, grocery stores, farms as venues for art experiences
-enhance the reach of historic sites by developing more experiential
opportunities and informal outdoor activities
-enhance the reach of public libraries by offering visual/performing arts
programming, indoor/outdoor space usage
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 Developing support/collaborations in unlikely places in the
community:
-encourage for-profit and not-for-profit organizations to work together to
broaden and diversify participation in the arts, cultural heritage, and
history
-establish a strong umbrella organization to support and create opportunities
for artists.
 Showcasing Gloucester County through its towns, neighborhoods,
historic sites, fairs/festivals, cultural and natural resources:
-encourage interactive arts and history programs including:
public murals—artists working with community residents, schools,
organizations
 poetry-in-the-park-type programs
open studios for residents to observe the process of creating art,
music, poetry
public parks—>music—>theateroutdoors
 interactive living history activities for all ages.
 Developing new innovative marketing methods to reach all ages:
-establish a business/marketing internship with Rowan University to get the
word out via: hard copy, websites, Facebook, television, Twitter
-create an on-line artists/organizations directory
-coordinate arts/history marketing efforts with county, towns, businesses
-enhance the County website to respond to one of the primary survey
responses that “people are looking for things to do in the County and
don‟t know where to find the information”.
Stakeholders agreed to serve as „conduits‟ for the resident survey distributed
via Survey Monkey. Stakeholders received an email with the link to the
survey which was then passed along to friends, family, colleagues.




Written Surveys:
Two surveys were developed and distributed electronically via Survey
Monkey.com:
 Survey #1: Residential
This was a generic survey for Gloucester County residents with a subsection for residents who pursue the arts either as a leisure activity or
as an income-generating means for making a living. Links to the
survey were shared via arts organizations, personal affiliations,
professional affiliations, community groups, and person-to-person.
The 300+ respondents represent a broad, comprehensive range of
Gloucester County zip codes.
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Key trends indicated in the residential survey:
A.
Gloucester County events most frequently attended 2 or more
times:
1. Library programs and exhibits
2. Gloucester County restaurants with live music
3. Pitman‟s Broadway Theater
4. Community-based Arts and Music Festivals
5. Rowan University performances and exhibits
6. Gloucester County Parks Summer Concert Series
7. Woodbury Colonial Day
8. 18th Century Field Day at Red Bank Battlefield
9. Riverwinds‟ Community Center summer concerts
10. Sketch Club Players‟ performances
B.
Obstacles to attending more arts, cultural heritage,
entertainment events in Gloucester County:
1. Lack of free time [54.6%]
2. Unaware of what‟s happening in Gloucester County [48.3%]
3. Programs don‟t match my needs/interests [30.9%]
C.
What do people respond to in making their leisure time
decisions:
1. Word-of-mouth [70.1%]
2. E-mails/websites [64.9%]
3. Newspaper ads [60.1%]
4. Personal invitations [58.7%]
5. Seasonal brochures [55.2%]
6. Newspaper/magazine articles [54.2%]
7. Posters [36.8%]
D.
Which of the following publications/websites do you read for
information on events in Gloucester County?
1. Gloucester County Times [79%]
2. Philadelphia Inquirer [38.1%]
3. Courier-Post [24.9%]
4. Gloucester County “On the Move” magazine [16%]
4. The County‟s website [www.co.gloucester.nj.us] [16%]
E.
Program/event preferences:
1. Fairs/festivals [61.2%]
2. Theater/musicals [49.8%]
3. Summer outdoor concerts [45.7%]
4. Comedy [43.3%]
5. Theater/drama [42.2%]
6. Film [39.1%]
7. Visual art/exhibitions [36.7%]
8. Classical music [27.3%]
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9. Jazz [26.6%]
10. Historic house tours [24.6%]
11. R&B/Country Music [22.1%]
12. Garden Tours [22.1%]
13. Craft workshops [19.7%]
14. Dance performances [18.7%]
F.
Factors that respondents take into consideration in arts/
cultural heritage/entertainment choices:
1. FUN! [72.9%]
2. Program is high-quality [57.3%]
3. Information about the event is readily available [52.1%]
4. Admission is easily affordable [51.9%]
5. Outdoor, free admission [39.7%]
6. Parking is easily available [37.1%]
7. Family-friendly activities are offered [33.8%]
G.
How much respondents will pay for tickets to an event in
Gloucester County:
1. No more than $25 [46.4%]
2. No more than $15 [35.6%]
H.
In response to this statement: “Opportunities to participate in
the arts, cultural heritage, and entertainment are important to
my lifestyle and to the quality-of-life in my community and in
Gloucester County.”
1. Agree [84%]
2. No opinion [13.2%]
3. Disagree [2.8%]
Part 2 of Residential Survey [completed by residents defining
themselves as making a living primarily from art work or
pursuing arts activities but not primarily as a livelihood:
I.
J.
K.
How would you define yourself:
1.
Make my living primarily from my art work [27.3%]
2.
Pursue arts activities but not primarily as a livelihood
[81.8%]
How do you promote/market your work? [check all that apply]
1.
Website [50%]
1.
Social networking website (e.g.Facebook, My Space)
[50%]
2.
Email newsletters [25%]
3.
Direct mail [12.5%]
3.
Advertising in newspapers/magazines [12.5%]
3.
Blog [12.5%]
Five support needs most important to you as an artist:
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1.
2.
2.
3.
4.
4.
4.
5.
L.
Exhibit space opportunities [66.7%]
Local income opportunities [44.4%]
Networking with other artists [44.4%]
Grant funding information [33.3%]
Performance space opportunities [22.2%]
Promotion/marketing/advertising [22.2%]
Audience development [22.2%]
Website development [11.1%]
Visual artists responded that they make their living primarily
from art work by:
1.
Commercial work [graphic, design/illustration, etc] [100%]
2.
50% responded in each of the following categories:
-exhibiting in professional galleries
-classes, workshops, lectures, demonstrations in my art
form
-outdoor festivals/fairs
-Internet sales.
 Survey #2: Students
The link to this electronic survey was distributed via teachers to
students who were then asked to pass it along to other students/
friends. Responses were primarily from art students at Gloucester
County College and Pitman High School. Note: these responses are
representative of a survey conducted of county-wide high school art
students in 2008.
A.
Majority of students polled would like to see more of these
activities/opportunities for young artists/students:
1.
Information on career opportunities in the arts/applied
arts [55.2%]
2.
More affordable arts-related classes/workshops [44.8%]
More opportunities for portfolio development for
college/grad school applications [44.8%]
3.
Opportunities to meet with artists [41.4%]
4.
Opportunities to exhibit [34.5%]
College-sponsored summer arts programs for students
[34.5%]
5.
Mentoring opportunities with artists [31%]
More student concerts [31%]
6.
Opportunities for feedback from professional artists
and other teachers [27.6%]
More advanced workshops [27.6%]
Museum-based classes/workshops
More student competitions [27.6%]
7.
Opportunities for peer recognition [24.1%]
8.
More student literary activities such as coffee houses and
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poetry readings [20.7%]

B.
Arts activities pursued by students:
-Literary arts: poetry and fiction
-Performing arts/theater studies: dance, television/videos/
film, music/vocal; Type of performing arts events they
attend: music/instrumental, television/videos/film
-Type of music/concert activities the students polled attend/
participate in: Indie Rock; Hip-Hop/Rap; Retro Rock; Country
-Visual Arts activities: Photography [71%]; drawing;
painting/water color; computer graphics; Fine Crafts;
Type of visual arts events they attend: art museums, art
festivals/outdoor exhibitions; exhibitions in alternative
spaces; art galleries.
C.
Are you planning to pursue further study or a career in the arts?
-Yes [51.6%]
-No [41.9%]
D.
What are the best ways to get other students involved in the
arts?
-Events for students who are interested in seeing other students‟
art work and performances [76.7%]
-Workshops for students who are interested in developing their
artistic skills [70%]
-Socialization opportunities with other art students and working
artists (visual, performing, literary artists, musicians)
[70%]
Follow-up Meeting of Strategic Stakeholders:
Six key individuals representing strategic stakeholder groups gathered at the
Bus Stop in Pitman in October 2009. Key data from the first stakeholders‟
meeting and the initial results from the resident and student surveys were
reviewed. From the data clusters several potential strategic initiatives were
identified:
1) Exploration of venues for high school students‟ art work of all genres;
2) Identification of the potential for a short Film Festival [#1 choice of
student and young adult respondents]; in addition, indications
of strong potential interest in a photography exhibit possibly in
collaboration with the Pitman Chamber of Commerce;
3) Identification of the potential for Public Art projects throughout the
County;
4) Exploration of the potential for public art and other arts programming in
partnership with „prevention‟ programs at human services‟ sites;
5) Exploration of potential for opportunities for arts/artist-in-residence
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programs with Early Childhood centers;
6) Exploration of the potential for introducing the arts to people who
otherwise would not be seeking out arts‟ experiences by creating
partnerships with arts organizations, individual artists in public
venues;
8) Identification of Marketing as an over-arching need on all levels. There is
no central site to obtain accurate and timely information about
activities throughout Gloucester County including visual arts,
performing arts, music, cultural heritage, history events, and
fairs/festivals.
9) It is important to note that the #1 factor in what people are looking for
in an arts/cultural/history event is “FUN!” including opportunities to
socialize.


Meeting of Strategic Stakeholders at Gloucester County College:
In mid-October Diane Macris and the planning consultant met with Eoinn
Kinnarney, Gloucester County College, and Shea Murray, Pitman High
School, to discuss potential strategic initiatives that could serve as replicable
models throughout the County.
 Review of Student Survey data:
-Majority of students polled would like to see more of in Gloucester County
for young artists/students [listed in order of frequency]:
1. Information on career opportunities in the arts/applied arts;
2. More affordable arts-related classes/workshops; more opportunities
for portfolio development for college/grad school applications;
3. Opportunities to meet with artists;
4. Opportunities to exhibit; college-sponsored summer arts programs
for students;
5. Mentoring opportunities with artists;
6. More opportunities for feedback from professional artists and
other teachers; more advanced workshops; museum-based
classes/workshops.
-51% of the student polled plan to pursue further study and/or a career in
the arts;
-Best ways to get other students involved in the arts:
-events for students who are interested in seeing other students‟ art
work and performances;
-workshops for students who are interested in developing their
artistic skills;
-socialization opportunities with other art students and working
artists—visual, performing, literary artists, musicians
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- From the data clusters several potential strategic initiatives were
discussed:
1) Opportunities for meetings and mentoring with working artists;
information on career opportunities, portfolio development; peer
exhibits: possible strategies include a) a Student Art Night at
GCC inviting all high school art students; b) student-driven
workshops and exhibit piggybacking on Dan Chard‟s show
scheduled for 2010;
2) Community-based arts programming involving students such as
film/photography activities and exhibits;
3) Opportunities for exploration of careers-in-the-arts including the
potential for an Arts and Design Career Day in 2011; this would
involve opportunities to meet working designers including
industrial design and other applied arts. This event could serve
as the basis for development of new art courses for the
secondary and college curricula.
4) Increased exhibit opportunities for young artists including the
potential for a juried show at the GCC Gallery, “Emerging Artists
18-35” including short videos and 3-dimensional works.
4) Creation of a professional development workshop for all teachers
that reinforces the critical link between the arts and human
development for all children from children-at-risk to
academically-gifted. The most expansive areas where the arts
pay off are in basic reading skills, language development, and
writing skills. Other documented skill increases are in the areas
of focus and concentration, social skills and behaviors,
collaboration and conflict resolution.


Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commissioners’ Planning
Retreat:
In mid-September 2009 the Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage
Commissioners met at Riverwinds Community Center for a planning retreat
facilitated by the arts planning consultant.
The session began with a lively discussion of the Commission‟s role in
Advocacy for the Arts in the county, region, and state.
1.
The Commissioners agreed to formalize their responsibilities for
monitoring the activities supported through the Local Arts Programs‟
[LAP] re-grant funding. It was agreed that in Year One [2010] the
Commission Chair will ensure that the Commissioners have the
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information they need and each re-grantee event will be attended by a
Commissioner. Re-grantees will be reminded of the Commissioners‟
role and will be expected to provide an annual calendar of their
events/programs, contact information, and guest tickets for the
Commissioners. Commissioners will be expected to complete a
feedback form for each event/programs; space will be included for
information about audience diversity and other factors related with the
program/event‟s quality. This information will be available for the Peer
Panel when reviewing future grant applications.
2.
The Commissioners agreed that a major advocacy responsibility is to
„spread the word‟ among County residents about arts, cultural
heritage, history events/programs throughout Gloucester County by:
-actively getting the word out via their personal email „universes‟ and
direct contact with friends, colleagues, and neighbors;
-helping to recruit a new generation of arts, cultural heritage, and
history participants by:
a) including younger people in leadership roles
b) encouraging and supporting new endeavors by young artists
c) supporting new programs for young families
d) identifying and sharing information about programs for
teens, young adults, young professionals, middle school
students, primary school students, and early childhood
students;
-encouraging the County to enhance its website by providing
easy access to up-to-date, appealing information about arts,
cultural heritage, history events throughout the County
including:
a) one-click access to an Arts in Gloucester County website
b) linkages to social networking websites familiar to young
people and young families
c) linkages to arts and history websites for more detailed
information.
11/09
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GLOUCESTER COUNTY CULTURAL PLAN 2010-2015
Year One [2010] Action Plan
Goal Area I:
Encourage the inclusion of the arts, cultural
heritage, and history as key components of downtown
revitalization, community capacity-building, and creative
partnerships in county-wide economic development areas.
Action Steps:
1.
Work with County administration to identify where technical
assistance related to this plan may be appropriate and
timely.
2.
Begin to compile case studies of successful arts-related
downtown revitalization projects.
3.
Provide encouragement to municipal arts and cultural heritage
fairs, festivals, and collaborative projects.
4.
Provide assistance in identification of resources for gateway,
streetscape, signage projects.
Goal Area II:
Foster increased participation and support for the
arts, cultural heritage, and history through improved
advocacy and promotion.
Action Steps:
1.
Work with GC Cultural & Heritage Commission‟s chairperson
to make timely information available to Commissioners to
ensure active and accurate communications and participation in
GC arts, cultural heritage, and history events.
2.
Provide email-ready information for Commissioners to share
with others.
3.
Invite young artists to share input with Commissioners.
4.
Develop job description for internship in website enhancement.
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Goal Area III: Promote expanded appreciation and participation
in the arts, cultural heritage, and history.
Action Steps:
1.
Identify and meet with appropriate staff in the GCC Early
Childhood Studies Department and Day Care Center to:
-establish timeline for an Early Childhood- Artist-in-Residence
project
-form ad hoc group of educators and artists to design project
-research funding opportunities
2.
Meet with GCC and Pitman H.S. Art Departments to establish
goals and timeline for collaborative exhibition and meet the
artist opportunities:
-work with Dr. Dan Chard, Professor/Rowan University, to select
educational programs he will offer to students as part of
his Retrospective Exhibit in April 2010 including, but not
limited to:
-student critiques
-portfolio development
-design and composition workshop
3.
Work with Pitman Chamber of Commerce and downtown
businesses, the site of the 6th Annual Gloucester County
Juried Photography Exhibit, May 2010.
4.
Work with GCC to develop and sponsor the 28th Annual Juried
Art Exhibit, October 2010:
-the 2010 exhibit will feature Young Emerging Artists including
film and 3-dimensional
5.
Work with the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee
to plan enhancements to the 4th Annual Olde King Jazz Festival,
Kings Highway Corridor, October 2010:
-the 2010 Festival will include educational components including
workshops in schools the week prior to the Festival to
enhance the festival and build participation.
6.
Sponsor workshops:
-Women‟s History Month—February 2010 [work with the NJ
Council for the Humanities to identify speaker]
-“Once Upon a Nation” workshop for history organizations on
bringing history to life and building participation—Spring
2010
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-Technical Assistance:
-arts, cultural heritage, and history organizations
-board development
-fundraising
-grantwriting
-ADA compliance.
7.
Regrant Services:
-NJ State Council on the Arts‟ availability of Local Arts
Development funding to re-grant to nonprofit organizations
for arts programs in Gloucester County [RFP, June 2010]
-NJ State Historical Commission‟s availability of re-grant funding
to GC history organizations and/or municipal historical
committees for programs related to GC history [RFP,
August 2010]
Goal Area IV: Promote the support of individual artists and
grassroots arts, cultural heritage, and history
organizations throughout Gloucester County
1.
Shows/Exhibitions:
-Retrospective Exhibit, Dr. Dan Chard, @ GCC Gallery,
April, 2010
-6th Annual Juried Photography Exhibit, May 2010
-28th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, “Young Emerging Artists”,
October 2010
2.
Identify resources for website enhancement:
-explore availability of student internships
3.
4.
Research funding sources for program enhancement--ongoing
Work with downtown venues for opportunities to showcase
Gloucester County artists:
-Greater Woodbury Arts Council exhibits/receptions--ongoing
-Heritage Winery, Bus Stop Café, Swedes Inn—ongoing
opportunities.
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