North Carolina



North Carolina Arts Council Survey Responses10. In your opinion, what are the strengths of this Plan?It seems in line with what seems important to small communities as well as cities and a statewide focus. I like that it also connects with your prior 5 year plan, continues to focus on SmART Initiatives, trails, and will help us to develop our leadership capacities in our communities that will help us to meet the challenges of a new age. The Creative Economy Plan - stressing the importance of the arts in driving North Carolina's future as a progressive state which is known for its colleges, healthcare and research as well as rural communities while embracing the arts and the creative process in each of these areas. I liked how each statement included "what we're building upon" and "what we'd like to do.” This focuses on the council's strengths which is so important. I love the extensive collaboration with other departments to enhance the arts in creative ways, and expand the awareness of the importance and significance of arts in the community. That it mentions an Artist Workforce. It seems to indicate moving forward not back, so the implementation will hopefully reflect that. Very clear and well written. Good explanation of history/progress and building forward. Good to see a foundation; I had not realized it existed. Emphasis on helping organizations grow and become sustainable is good. Emphasis on assisting arts councils is good (and needed). Emphasis on marketing is good; there are quite a few things in here that I am not familiar with. It seems like somehow the word needs to get out more (maybe I am not paying close enough attention). Two strengths are to strengthen the artist workforce across the state. I see immediacy here. Secondly, prepare students for successful lives and career. The 501(c)3 I work with has goals for our own community that match NCArts goals. I cannot help but believe that all of NCArts goals are strengths. I am especially heartened by the expansion goals of the N. C Arts Trails Program and the SmART Initiative. These are encouraging to see for potential future expansion into other, less artistically acknowledged areas of North Carolina. Partnering with the schools to build experiences that allow students to see how working in the arts develops critical thinking skills. . . with limited risks.Helping to strengthen art programs for school- aged children. There are not many art programs on the elementary level in my county. Comprehensiveness. A very well-thought out plan that includes arts education, with an eye to the future demographics of NC. That there is a plan.Music events with indie groups, more festivals, strengthening the artist workforce, cultural tourism trails, more arts activities for studentsThe plan is comprehensive and is also reflective of the diverse resources, opportunities, and needs throughout the State. Good plan but I would like to see more on support for individual artists beyond “emerging artists” type projects. What about more regional workshops specifically for artists who are mid-career. Align with higher education arts programs who are putting out great artists but they know very little about the business side of their work. Strengthening the workforce place of artist in the community. Too often artists are asked to give their performances or work free. Making the N. C. Arts Trails more complete for each community. These programs have done the superficial work. Providing resources to towns for transformation of the arts as an economic development project is important. The research needs to be developed for each community because each community varies. Establish a system and finance to help schools advance to be A+ schools. Strengthen the arts industry so that the imported reproductions do not flood the market. Original creative work should be promoted by industry. The strength of this plan is its scope. I think that it is extremely well-written and has lots of fact to back up the goals. Nobody could read the plan and say that the authors didn't know what they are talking about. Emphasis on economic value of the arts in every communityThe strengths of the strategic plan is that it relates what arts can further do for the state. The existing framework and vibrancy of the arts in NC. Concise focus on all-inclusive areas, illustrating the educational and economic benefits of a strong arts community. It seems very well thought out and integrated into a variety of other support networks. It’s a wide-ranging, comprehensive view. I'm very encouraged to see a focus on strengthening the arts in education (A+), projects such as the Arts Trails, partnering with other State Departments while also raising funds from the private sectorIt's obvious that a lot of thought and planning have gone into identifying areas that needs, and developing a strategy to address them. It builds on the programs and successes the Arts Council already has in place. The arts in education piece and grassroots programming. -Focus on arts education for children-Acknowledgement and celebration of NC's artistic heritage-The geographic reach of its impact -- all 100 counties!Inclusive of all regions, small communities and metropolitan centers. The plan describes the connection between quality of life benefits as well as economic contributions of the creative industry to N. C. New ideas in fundraising and support and expansion of successful programs such as A+ and cultural trails. Celebrating diversity and vitality of the state's arts culture; highlighting the A+ Schools program, which has endured as one of the best models of arts integration and whole school reform in the nation; recognizing the need for a future of an arts industry as a vital economic force in the state. Continues to tie the arts to economic development; this is a winning argument for the arts. The plan covers several angles that are essential to sustaining a strong arts sector - education, economics, and workforce development. Building on prior commitments to make them stronger. Focusing on strengths. I am excited about the strides being made to increase inclusivity and access to the arts. We need more training and education around the arts and ability status, and this plan does a good job of addressing that. The plan does a good job of showing the council's recognition of our state's evolving cultural landscape. While it is important to recognize the history of North Carolina, we must acknowledge the need for discussions around welcoming those who have chosen to call this place home. I am excited about the focus on partnering with university arts departments. It's important to provide creative career support early. -The foundation on which it's being built!-Also, the fact that it is responding in an organized way to the way communities are changing in North Carolina. -Finally, the fact that 25% of the plan is focused on students and education is wonderful. Understanding that education early is the key to investment by these same adults later AND that we must have PRIVATE AND PUBLIC investment. Cannot be solely tax base supported!!It looks like a well thought out plan addressing most of the issues that our state faces. I like the format which shows what you are building on, what has been successful over the years. Impressive. Recognition of the value and impact of the creative economyOK as a statement of purpose. People (both audience and artist) need to know what is happening - a good communications infrastructure goes a long way towards making a strong artistic "community. "It is vital that all segments of the population are included in the Plan. Your Plan is comprehensive and responsive to the needs of a changing population. To the general public, you have the important task of educating us and the politicians of our state to be open to this important educational tool for children, youth and adults. It reaches out to all learners in so many different levels, and gives personal enjoyment to ALL, no matter the age, ethnicity, background or gender. It seems to have covered all the bases, so to speak. Actually, in Manassas, Virginia, I was active in going to the Prince William County Arts Council meetings, and I would explore the NC Arts Council website for ideas to pass on to them to strengthen the county program. I think your plan is strong because it prepares students (STEAM, not just STEM), and emphasizes the ROI for economic development that the arts offer. Also by piggy backing with tourism (the trails) you really get more out of each dollar that the state spends. It articulates a strong vision and the foundation for goals is clearly articulated. I like that the plan, in "what we're building on" mentions both the historical relevance of the arts to our state and the continuous growth in this area. Promoting North Carolina as an arts destination with a rich heritageI see references to acronyms that I know nothing about and arts groups that I know nothing about. Wow – first, let me say that a lot of time and thought went into this document. Thank you! I like the overall format and layout. I like the reflection of what you're building on. The goals and objectives are clear and succinct. The strength of this plan is its investment in bringing the arts to children and young adults. It seems like a lot of talk and no action. Forward thinking - really appreciate the desire to focus on partnering with colleges; to offer entrepreneurial training for artists; to build on and do more with increasing arts ed access for youth11. Are there issues or needs that we have not addressed in this Plan?(Note—21 said “No.”)I was a Visiting artist in the NC Community colleges. ..What a great program, 50 to 100 different artists around the state. I remained in a county where I was Visiting Artist and I have been enriched by the different life here and I'm sure I have enriched the community with my art form as did all of the other visiting artists. But the NCAC community colleges stopped the program ...now there are much fewer opportunities for all the many different artists in the state. The Cartwheels program is very exclusionary as only a few of the larger well known groups get chosen for it. The VA program was open to so many different people and I think it did a much better job at exposing the entire community to different arts.Funding/opportunities for individual artists. The importance of tourist-driven arts programming is overvalued.The support from the NC Arts Council is tremendous - and I do not see an immediate need that you have not addressed.Arts in Healthcare and Healing. Arts Groups working through our medical professionals and hospitals. Including healthy living via medical venues and outreach sites in the tourism approach. These may include follow-up facilities that help people who have been through an illness recover in an arts setting, creative environment and promoting those settings in our healthcare facilities as well as family vacation time.Making music education available to EVERY K-12 student in the state.I'm sure, but you can't do it all, especially under the current circumstances—-Insurance for artists that we lure here?-Wages that are not still linked to 1985.This may be touched on in the growth and sustainability section, but I wonder if there is a way to help smaller, less mature arts organizations over the hurdle of hiring staff and stabilizing. For example, providing some operating funds for a set period (2-3 years?) while helping an organization develop a sustainable revenue model; then the organization has to go on its own (or taper down or something). Or making tiers in the grants so that the amount of work is proportionate to the size of organization and the dollars received. Or offering grants for a 2-year period instead of 1-year, so that there is not always a constant churn of writing applications and reports. I guess the idea is to take off some of the funding uncertainty and workload, so that emphasis can be on really becoming sustainable. Perhaps this is more appropriate at the local level, but it doesn't seem to function any differently there (at least in Wake Co). There seems to be a gap between the individual artist level and the organizational level.In order to achieve everything on this plan, there needs to be a lot of focus on strengthening and funding both the state and regional art councils and non-profit groups. Much of this plan relies on strong state and regional art boards and I feel that there needs to be more in the plan about how to fortify those crucial art boards so that they have enough people and power enforce the plan. In many of the smaller towns that I have been to, there is only one or two art centers (if that), though there may be hundreds of artists and art-supportive community members. I feel that there should be more funding and more outreach directed towards local and regional non-profit art groups, aiming for the local artists and art students. Speaking as a recent fine art graduate, I feel that many of the University art departments are cut off from the art councils and groups, and many art students lack the necessary transportation and funding to become involved when there are thousands who would love to be active participants.Fostering partnership and collaboration between arts organizations that are in concentrated areas. Working with arts organizations to better utilize their volunteer population. (i.e. younger generation wants to participate through volunteerism)Not enough on expanding diverse cultural offerings or building institutions that serve the needs of our changing population - too Western European centric. Need bigger emphasis on funding model - and new revenue streams - moving groups that have been getting funding for decades off so new groups can emerge.Arts Integration beyond K-12; should be incorporated within higher education as well in order to enhance student development and 21st century competitiveness in the workforce.The plan should have clear measures for success and timelines.I did not see anything that address the inequities among artist of color.Intrinsic value of the arts and of artists as professionals. See the arts as valuable apart from tourism.The Cherokee Heritage Trails Guidebook by Duncan and Riggs is not featured and it needs to be included. Good plan that touches various types of art but still some areas are left out like potters, wood carvers, beaders and weavers.Issues that I think should be addressed are:-Parents need to become educated on the art career options for students. As a high school art educator, I found that many talented students wanted to pursue a career in art. Unfortunately, the phrase "starving artist" rings in their parent's ears.?-Making the funding process user friendly for all involved.-Don't forget the small communities that may not be close to the resources in large towns.I would want to encourage translation between the large picture (plans, programs, legalities) and artists. I believe tightening the gap between practitioners (artists, designers, craftspeople, makers, educators, students, etc.) and legislation, (board members, etc.) would really strengthen the scope, efficacy, and efficiency of these plans.Meeting the needs of all 100 counties is a big task, but wonderful goal. Although the idea of a regional arts council is intriguing, the small rural counties' needs aren't always met by a council in a bigger city. I like the idea of arts partners. I would like to see partnerships with a neighboring arts council in which the arts council is dedicated to helping the rural partner build the programs in its own county (as well as encourage participation in the arts council events). I do think arts partners are a good idea, especially when groups partner with each other that understand the logistics, needs and wants of the communities.How will the plan be supported at local levels?The plan specifies what it's building on and what it wants to do. I feel as though there needs to be some way to bridge the two with what we have in the present day. Of course we can show that through art in its current form, but something that initiates conversation about a career. Who are successful artists and why do they do what they do? How has art changed these people for the better? How do they want their audience to react to their work? These are the questions that may help a lot more people to understand why art is important to everyone, and especially important to children and their development for artistry, creativity, and responsibility.Quality - and strategies of who exactly are you advocating to. Audience identificationI think more effort could be made to promote and support State Arts Resources.Omission of a recognition of the Gullah Geechee culture and arts of southeastern NCImproving access to the arts in rural, impoverished areas and providing access in these areas to artists and arts programming; improving the state's literary heritage and supporting up-and-coming authors, poets, playwrights, etc. throughout the state; ensuring that all students statewide receive arts education on a regular basis; building an arts network with other state, regional and national networks -- and even international networks."New Urban" culture is a pedestrian one - linking to the need for greater linkages that do not require a car is a potential asset. This could work especially well with the SmART Initiative - involve, bike/ped, parks/trails, open space advocates in the conversation. Possibly even health and fitness advocates.I'd love to know how smaller artists and organizations are supposed to be helped. What is this "infrastructure of arts organizations" going to look like? Especially for volunteer or solo-staffed organizations, what is even going to be available for them, as they make up a vast number of actual arts organizations across the state?I want to see more defined ways the arts council is planning on addressing diversity. What will training look like and who is going to be doing the training? Is there more that can be done to provide artists with the resources and training they need to make their work into a career? Many art departments train on craft and theory, but neglect to teach the necessary business skills needed to succeed as a full time artist. How can we empower artists to thrive as an artist instead of survive? What does success look like for NC in 2019? I want to see more on how we will evaluate our progress and measure the outcomes. How do we know this plan is working?As an interested citizen, I would rather see the vision and mission summed up in a paragraph with some comparative numbers. One had to really dig into reading the plan to see the economic impact of these initiatives. Also, I would like to see how this plan will be implemented in collaboration with other agencies and organizations, rather than just creating new things or reinventing the wheel. Another piece that is missing is the environmental sustainability of the arts. How can we promote environmental responsibility through the use of local and/or recycled materials?Involving the general public who might not be made aware there is a strategic plan. Those of us already interested/involved in the Arts don't need convincing. General population "might" get involved, but they have to be aware they are needed/wanted.Cross marketing and promotion throughout the state for smaller organizations/venues. It's always the same groups that continue to receive promotion and funding.Haven't gone over with fine tooth comb... but make sure there are tax INCENTIVES for the arts... REMEMBER that most artists do not make a good living as an artist. We do without for our art. Change tax code for bringing back film industry and making it easier for artists to make a living wage.Funding and facilities - increased funding from government plus the corporate and private sectors - and more and better and more accessible facilities. It just doesn't work to have lovely municipal performing arts centers that are inaccessible to many performing arts groups due to cost or favoritism in bookings (or both).There is always a drive to find efficiencies - I understand this, but that's not the same as budget-cutting. Keep fighting for funding.Introducing Public Art as an element in urban planning. Now is the critical time to do this, as NC is rapidly being developed and becoming more urbanized.Historic Theatres in NC that need funding. Also UNC TV as an additional outlet for our State.So many issues were not addressed. The whole plan is superficial. You did not inform us of any details. But I see where this is going. Unfortunately, I don’t see that you make a distinction between art, entertainment, design, arts, crafts and heritage. I don’t see a future for the arts in NC. It has been going downhill and continues to do so. This state is one of the worst to be as an artist. Look into and combat censorship! It is terrible in NC.About the economic impact of the arts: you make that case very clear, yet it is a completely irrelevant argument. By focusing on the economic impact of the arts you literally kill the meaning of art, undermine artists’ ability to create professionally and basically stifle art.I would just pass on that the arts are important in neighborhoods that are low-income or in need of revitalization. So grassroots projects -- self-expression through open mics or hands on dancing/drum circles, painting murals, etc. -- can help residents who may be predominantly renting, take pride in their neighborhoods and build community. Even painting trash cans or personalizing plots in community gardens. House concerts, pop-up mini festivals. So, how arts can build community at the grassroots level.The core belief that some of "North Carolina’s greatest assets are its arts, which fuel a thriving creative economy, prepare students for successful futures, and are essential to building and enriching our communities large and small" is inclusive of elements that relate to better public health, as well.The arts relate directly to improved community health because access to these skills and perspectives constitutes what is called "protective factors" or "resiliency" in the public health/prevention fields. Access and availability of the arts create more protective factors and resiliency in youth, which in turn:fuels a thriving economy through decreasing the social costs of poor medical and behavioral healthprepares students for better futures by increasing their resiliency, and thus their ability to resist experimenting with drugs or other negative behaviors- essential to building and enriching communities by contributing to overall community health and wellness by expanding opportunities and experiences for people through access to and use of available arts programsI see a lot about professional artists (i.e., the artistic workforce) but our state has a huge number of avocational artists who deserve programming to foster their creativity, not only because they may themselves blossom into professional artists one day, but because these individuals exemplify the power of creative thinking in everyday life.Retention of Music Education and Arts Education teachers. If you don't train the young, they won't care about what you're trying to accomplish.12. How well have we made a case for the importance of the arts and the needs of the arts industry in North Carolina?(Note--10 said “well,” “very well,” or “extremely well.”)I think you make a good case (of course you are preaching to the choir here). Personally I would prefer more emphasis on research and data that shows how the arts stimulate the brain and create well-rounded citizens rather than so much emphasis on economic impact. I would be cautious in how the "public value" of the arts gets measured. It is partly about dollars and ROI, but goes well beyond that.The case is very strong, but as I stated above there needs to be more of a focus and more interaction between the Arts community and University students state-wide. Many art students are graduating unaware of how they can use their art degree in a real-world setting, which in turn discourages them from becoming more involved and creates a huge age-gap in the art communities leaning in favor of the older, more established artists.Highlighting "what we are building on" and "what we would like to do" helps the reader to understand.Articulated very well!! Great job. Would like to see more information about how children who have opportunities to be creative when they are young also continue to be so as they age. There is literature that supports this.Very well. TV ads showing examples of successful arts industries and promoting this cause would be beneficial to public support and understanding.It is good to see statistics of the influence of the arts and community growth (new populations and greater diversity, etc.), the work produced by artists under NC support (photographs of Fellows, performers, etc.), as well as personal accounts through the A+ Schools video.I think it is wise to have diversity in voice expressing the importance and success of these programs, to reach as wide an audience as possible, reflecting the potential impacts of the Arts on the community.You've made a splendid case! It is articulate, ambitious and energetic.The plan is a good articulation of this. It could be more concise, but has a lot to cover.A good case, but more can be done in terms of public support of the arts and showing the public that art needs to be available to all people. Too often, there is a pervading -- and, I think, erroneous -- notion that the arts are elitist and only for those who have time and money. As students study NC history in 4th and 8th grade, I think they should be learning the wonderful contributions that NC artists and arts institutions have made on this state. More murals. More public performances. Take the arts to locations where it might not normally be experienced.In most sections very well. The Arts Education section is weak. I recognize that this is difficult at this time as our statewide standards for education are being held hostage in a political war. However - the arts and arts educators continue to be cut dramatically and the arts community needs to step up and be loud.I think we need to make the case stronger to engage more constituents. Many in our state, including some legislators, do not understand the value of the arts.It is a good argument, Arts have always been important in North Carolina's history and will continue to define this state's culture.It would be interesting to know how much of your budget comes from the legislature of the state. Without adequate support from the elected officials, the advancement of the arts and culture of our state will be diminished.Very strong, especially in regards to how the arts fuel economic development, and go hand-in-hand with tourism. Students' hands-on exposure to the arts is vital. I did not see a ballet until I saw one at UNC-G (the Dance Theatre of Harlem) back in the 1970s. Elementary school children should be seeing them today.I think the structure is backward - the plan document states how data was collected and then gives the results. I think the results should come first and then state how they were obtained. That is a much stronger case statement. Although very well written, the Executive Summary is too long and spends too much time on history rather than vision. The first full paragraph of the second page should be the opening statement.Thank you, thank you, thanks you... for paying to do the research on the impact of arts on the economy. That's the argument needed for preserving the arts.Well done. I will say that in reading the document, you cite specific locations and programs as the history part of a program or initiative. Those are all good. But the same names/locations keep coming up! I wonder if there are other examples to cite, or other target regions/towns to look at as the initiatives and Plan move forward? It might feel more inclusive to those in outlying and rural areas.I think emphasizing the economic impact of the arts is oversimplified and the intrinsic value of the arts is understated.20. What are the most important services the North Carolina Arts Council provides to you?Staff support and guidance - and grant support is very important for leveraging other funds from our community, private foundations and our citizens.Grassroots Arts Funding opportunities, Artists Database and Touring Artists Resources and Educational Components - In Schools Arts Programs for Rural Communities including Arts in Education and Cartwheels. Info through Facebook updates are also helpful.My children benefit from the matching grant provides to bring artists into their schools. As a former teacher, these residencies were both a transformative experience for my students and a professional development opportunity for me.Artist Opportunities and notices of other gigs.Grant funding for programs, Triangle New Realities, Poet Laureate (not to me specifically, but it is one of the things I really like).Currently, the resources for organizations is extremely useful. In the future, I imagine the all of your services will benefit me in some positive way.NC Fellowship, Creative Capital Workshops, support of rural arts programming-Financial support is very important to our small county.-Hands on support when needed. I feel that our liaison has always been there to give support when we are experiencing difficulty with the grant process -Connecting us with qualified North Carolina Artists and programsAdvocating for the arts in the stateGrants, lists of museums and support for museums, cultural tourism trailsInformation on projects that are successful in enhancing cultural heritage and economic development throughout the state.I love the resources section and the information about educationPartnering with the local level to provide a more robust presence.The opportunities to apply for funding to bring in artists and arts experiences for our community. Support in the applications process and a sounding board.Grassroots funding to all counties, including Cumberland (where I work) and Harnett (where I live and raise my children).Sustaining artists in the communityincome for my jobs as a writer-in-residence, staff development facilitator and A+ Fellow; support for my fellow artists and arts institutions; and a wide variety of opportunities to celebrate different art forms throughout the stateProviding arts in the public school systemProviding diverse options of arts throughout the statePromoting cultural awareness and understanding through these offeringsSupportive evidence that shows the impact of arts on our communities and state that helps keep me employed. These facts and figures help support in what is often bottom line decisions.Personal connection and assistance in funding and additional support. Coming from another state, this kind of connection was a very pleasant surprise to me!We receive little to no direct services from the NCAC other than the resources provided on the web site.Access to the many arts exhibits, cultural opportunities, performances and knowledge about all of these.Very impressed and grateful for these services:-- outstanding staff guidance, support-- timely, informative communications-- great website: graphics and resourcesLeadership in the arts, networking among arts organizations, technical assistance and a very collaborative grant applications process.Grants!?-A resource for information, help, and staff support.-Connections to other arts organizations and programs.-Being an innovator and initiator of new, creative thoughts and ideas. You are our cutting edge!21. What would you like the N. C. Arts Council to provide to you that we are not currently providing?Return of the visiting artist programFunding specifically for Executive Staff and Directors in Rural Model setting. Assistance with Staff and Board Development Opportunities and educational incentives to continue to develop higher level leadership and help with sustainable staff retention in our rural communities may help to provide a stronger base of local community support. Often, rural communities are seen as stepping stones for interns and pass through jobs for those looking to go to larger cities and areas. Time and significant resources are spent in training and comprehensive commitment by Directors to work with people who leave within a year or two to pursue a larger setting. This becomes a drain on the organization's volunteers and resource base who then must begin the process all over again. Training Board, part time staff and directors by assisting and providing sustainable funding models to begin within the community to develop candidates who already live and work in the community at an earlier stage of development may help with this issue. Many small communities may need a basic training, and policy and procedures model to follow when beginning these processes in order to alleviate repeating the same rotating door of turnover and begin sustainable staffing.I've been very interested in the trails and wondering if there are groups that visit these trails together. This could possibly be a revenue producing program in partnership with a travel agency.I would like to learn more about the opportunities and events available in my area through social media so that I have access to that information at all times and can make plans accordingly. Sites that have a stream layout, allow people to easily scroll through the events and opportunities available to them. Having access through Apps and mobile sites could drastically boost public awareness and participation.Arts Integration in Higher EducationPublic Art installations and public gardens which can be very small and maintained by volunteers.More opportunities for small, rural communities.More small town and individual artist resourcesA+ Schools in ALL 100 counties!More help for the underserved in rural communitiesI would like to see NC Arts Council representative more present in my community. It seems that "Raleigh" doesn’t mingle with the people. I think we need to have a NC ARTS council contact person in every district so as to form relationships and give first hand advice to individuals and groups. Perhaps they could organize and maintain the quality of community programming and events.Professional developmentMore opportunities for high school students and their teachers to participate in Poetry Out Loud through instructional workshops held in different schools across the state; more opportunities for young student writers to celebrate and honor their work (perhaps a statewide student literary journal?) in poetry, fiction, script-writing, graphic novels, etc.Collaboration with other agencies and organizations to combine effortsFocus on environmental impacts and sustainability through artBricks and mortar funding and strengthen funding for existing programs-not just 'new' programsMore music. I've noticed with a combination of dismay and alarm the diminished presence of music in the Artist Opportunities listings over the past half-dozen-or-so years, for example. Again, I'm hopeful that the Plan will mean more, and more diverse, musical offerings.A link and information about our organization on your website (we could especially benefit from being listed as a partner address arts & aging issues)Working capitalTechnical assistance, more information on economic impact of the arts, public art for urban planningFunding for Historic Theatres in NC-More film festivals; more programming in rural areas; more focus on preserving /celebrating Appalachian culture-Easier arts application guidelines for organizations-less effort to bend them in a certain direction (again, the past focus on Audience Development rather than on excellence and diversity in programming)-less one-size fits all in organizational grants and more awareness of differences in programming needs and production in rural and urban areas-support artists, not administrators-support art, not organizations-eliminate the minimum annual budget requirement to be eligible for grants-connect artists and organizations with actual workforce support, to assist with important jobs that we cannot afford-make organizational support available to all organizationsIt would be helpful to me if the NC Arts Council was able to help identify and cultivate a pool of philanthropic organizations and individuals interested in providing matching funds.Grass roots meetings across the stateWould love to see you funded to the level where you could start more initiatives and coordinated/thematic programmingMore participation from the Lower Cape FearMore hand-on time with staff. More visitations from Raleigh staff in the field.More coordinated activities for like organizations (ED Retreat, for example). More grant funds! ................
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