Community Forum around the Arts Set for January 22nd in Oneonta

M E M O R A N D U M

DATE: December 27, 2010

TO: The Visual and Performing Arts, Music and Entertainment Community

FROM: Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr.

SUBJECT: Community Forum

The broadly defined arts and entertainment community in the Oneonta area is rich and vibrant. It is also fragmented with an opportunity presenting itself to have individuals and organizations work together to capitalize on collective resources. As I understand it, in the late 1990’s, “arts” were to be the theme which Oneonta would promote to bring visitors to our community. That possibility continues to exist and with the addition of the Oneonta Theatre and Foothills Performance venues, the opportunity is greater than ever. Combined with a downtown hotel and improved retail and dining opportunities in the center City, promoting Oneonta as a day or overnight destination for people interested in the arts and should be addressed.

As Mayor, I would like to invite all interested individuals and organizations to participate in a community forum on this subject which will be held Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the atrium at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. A continental breakfast will be served. Break out groups will discuss and present ideas on a list of topics which would include, but not be limited to:

∙ creating and promoting a calendar of activities
∙ collaborating to raise financial support
∙ barriers to collaboration that need to be addressed and removed
∙ needs of the arts and entertainment communities of Oneonta
∙ a cooperative housing and studio art facility

I hope we can leave the above described session with three (3) to five (5) activities upon which we can agree to move the effort forward. Please call or email my office letting me know if you can attend so that we can plan on the appropriate size group.

Thanks for your consideration.