Community invited to discuss advancing arts and culture in the county

The Cook County Creative Economy Collaborative (CEC) announces that it has invited Artspace here for a preliminary feasibility visit. Artspace is internationally recognized as a leader in developing projects to spur economic growth through fostering living and working space for artists. The outcome of the visit will help Cook County understand the potential to create a successful, affordable, self-sustaining arts development project.

The visit and ensuing report are intended to help us understand and explore the key elements that determine feasibility of a project (project concept, site selection, market need, funding and financing, local leadership, sustained community impact); engage key stakeholders to build support for the Project; and outline the next steps necessary to move the project forward.

All are invited to a public meeting to learn more about this visit and constructively express your needs, wishes, dreams and desires for a more robust creative economy in Cook County. With your help, we hope to gather ideas about what the creative sector is missing, collect feedback about potential sites, and look at fresh ideas to serve the needs of Cook County.

Potential ideas can include live/ work space, co-working spaces, shared spaces, studio space, gallery space, music venue, event center, and whatever else you can think of. Artspace will then deliver a feasibility assessment which will be used by the CEC and its partners to recommend next steps.

The public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cook County courthouse, Commissioners’ Room.

Sponsors for the event include the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Cook County Chamber of Commerce, Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), Visit Cook County, Grand Marais Art Colony, North House Folk School, Last Chance Studio and Gallery, Sivertson Gallery and a number of private individuals.

The Artspace visit is inspired by Leveraging Creativity – Cook County Cultural Plan, Strategic Framework Implementation Plan. The purpose of the plan is “Accelerating the development of Arts and Culture as a key prosperity driver contributing to the social and economic vitality of Cook County.” One focus of this plan is Placemaking, with a goal to “Envision, plan, design and build the next generation of focal point facilities, generating a shared sense of excitement and purpose while also supporting arts, culture and events in Cook County.”