300 - Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Economic Development
Title
Development of Pike Arts
Impact Statement
December 2003, the Pike County Arts Council, Pike County Extension, and University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts identified the need for a coordinator to develop the arts in Pike County. During County Extension Council discussions regarding the proposed “Extension Associate for the Fine and Performing Arts,” several credible sources confirmed the value of arts and culture relating to community development. In “The Arts and Smart Growth” (Translation Paper Number Twelve April 2003 via www.fundersnetwork.org) it is noted that “the arts have the potential to connect people within a community in new ways, to bring desparate people together, and to tap into a community’s latent creativity.”
December 2004, Pike County Extension Program for Fine Arts began. To develop this program successfully, the set-up of the program itself is vital.
The primary step was the establishment of an incredible Advisory Council. Then the program foundation followed:
The Pike County Extension for Fine Arts Program applied and has received its incorporated status (Pike Arts, Incorporated) from the Kentucky Secretary of State and the County Court Clerk’s office. Articles of Incorporation are complete.
Pike Arts, Inc. is in the process of filing for 501c3 status to become a non-profit entity in order to umbrella the multiple arts programs to be developed.
The Pike Arts Wheel Model was created to inform audiences of the vision and action plan to develop the arts throghout Pike County. This model visually clarifies the geographical areas of focus (north, south, east, west and central) for extended development in the outlying county communities of the largest county in Kentucky. The individual communities will be assessing and implementing the arts development plan that will best serve that particular community.
The Advisory Council for Pike County Extension for Fine Arts, (Pike Arts, Inc.) has identified the following mission statement as a working base for the program: “To enrich the lives of the citizens of Pike County through the promotion, coordination and the development of education of the arts.” Modifications will be considered.
Volunteers have created and continue to update and utilize the Pike Arts website: www.pikearts.org
The Pike Arts logo has been approved by Advisory Committees and University of Kentucky Marketing.