State of the Arts is center stage
Marquette Office of Arts and Culture eyes future in event
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MARQUETTE -- The "Natural" mural at the corner of North Third and West Ohio streets, Beth Millner Jewelry and other notable artworks were shown in a slide show as a prelude to Thursday's State of the Arts event at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette.
They were just a few examples of the unique art found in the Marquette area -- but will more such works be seen in the community in the coming years?
The city of Marquette Office of Arts and Culture held the social and informational arts advocacy event for artists, organizations, businesses and the public to discuss the local cultural world.
With the renewal of the 10-year Arts and Culture Master Plan -- which was created in 2014 -- coming up, the State of the Arts presentation outlined the city's initiatives and resources for local creatives and culture bearers, with attendees giving feedback.
Tiina Morin, city arts and culture manager, gave an overview of master plan initiatives.
"What have we done, and have they met your needs?" she asked the audience. "Are we still, after 10 years, going in the right direction? What is inconsequential? What matters anymore?"
The first master plan initiative deals with the city's commitment to support a "robust cultural life and creative economy" with an empowered arts and culture office. That includes providing access to resources and services through its office, located in the lower level of the Peter White Public Library and at MQTcompass.com.
Strategies involve retaining and reframing the city's role in supporting local arts and culture, supporting an active and engaged community of "healthy, lifelong learners" and ensuring an "attractive, supporting and sustainable environment for artists and creative businesses."
Local artist John Taylor mentioned Chicago as a good example of mixing art and city issues with many public art displays about relevant topics, and spotlighting communities and ethnic groups.
"Chicago does miracles with that, and I think we could do something similar here without as much effort," Taylor said.
Morin said the Marquette office is developing a maintenance plan for city art, including the Father Marquette Park, and in the future an indigenous sculpture at the entrance to the new city pier.
She acknowledged that there have been challenges starting children's programs, pointing out that it's important to have certified art teachers in local schools. An audience member noted that art education needs to focus on youngsters in the middle grades.
The second initiative involves the belief that a regional partnership that fosters communication and collaboration across the area's arts, culture and creative sectors will increase the contribution and value of its creative assets.
Strategies include the creation of the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance; developing collaborative marketing and promotional efforts; engaging the public in dialogue about the future of arts and culture; establishing a plan for talent development, attraction and retention; and integrating economic development planning for arts and culture creative enterprises and heritage with downtown development, historic preservation, food hubs and area-wide economic planning.
For example, the Cultural Trail project involves seven miles of city starting near the mouth of the Carp River to honor and preserve the area's diverse culture, history and environment.
Diversity is another issue within the arts community.
Taylor said area artists have indicated that many nature-themed art events take place in Marquette during the year, but they aren't as integrated into these events as other artists.
"If we could expand on that to where there are more events that welcome more unusual art types, that might help," said Taylor, an abstract surrealist.
Morin noted that Revolve CC -- which stands for Creative Conference -- already has promoted different varieties of artwork.
"But I think we need to be active in bringing it to this community," she said of nontraditional art forms.
Grants essential
Morin stressed the importance of grants in bringing art-related amenities to the area.
"Our community is prime for it," she said. "With that, that's the breadth of what we've been working and what we do, and that still isn't touching on everything."
For instance, Morin said the Arts and Culture Office is working with the Marquette City Band to write grants and obtain funding for a new bandshell at Presque Isle Park.
"It's decommissioned," she said. "It's done."
For more information about local arts happenings, visit MQTcompass.com or contact the Office of Arts and Culture at 906-228-0472 or arts-culture@marquettemi.gov.
A survey was mailed to people who attended the meeting to garner more ideas.
"Remember that this is the beginning conversation to decide, to begin talking about, what our goals and dreams are for Marquette," Morin said. "All of us, I know, are so pleased with the arts and culture scene that we have, but we also all are very aware of what's missing, what people are struggling with, whether it's affordable housing for artists, and they're having to move outside Marquette, lack of venue space, lack of workshop space."
Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.