17/06/10..Have your say on Art development in South Oxfordshire

STATUS: Press Release: SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council is encouraging residents to have a say on a plan for supporting arts development in the district over the next three years.

The action plan sets out the range of issues facing arts development in the district, such as proximity to Oxford City, sales opportunities, performance opportunities, lack of workspaces and artists working in isolation along with the challenges posed by the current funding climate. The plan then identifies the key actions needed to tackle these issues and achieve a real, measurable difference.
Although the council will take the lead on implementing the action plan, the success of the strategy is dependant on developing positive partnerships with artists and organisations working in the district.
Some of the key actions include:
? develop partnerships with key agencies to further engage all members of the community in the arts
? support local artists through advice, referrals and sign-posting opportunities to perform, sell, educate and exhibit work, and source funding
? provide support to existing arts facilities and encourage the development of participation and outreach programmes
? develop policies relating to the commissioning, management, implementation and decommissioning of public art in the district
Cabinet Member for leisure and tourism, Bill Service, says:
?This important three year plan shows the council?s commitment to arts development in the district by promoting the local arts economy, creating new opportunities and supporting the local organisations.?
?I urge local people to take a look at this action plan and let us know if they think we are on the right track. By working together and encouraging personal development, social interaction and active participation in the arts we aim to make the arts and cultural activity an effective means of achieving a better quality of life and to make South Oxfordshire a better place to live.?