While the emerging Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan has been underplayed in Richmond's media and social circles, it's not because it doesn't have the potential to shake the foundations of the sometimes staid/sometimes leading edge arts and culture community in Richmond.
No, the primary reason is that pretty much anything in the "research and analysis" phase makes for dull reading, and even duller conversation. Unless you're part of the inner hub.
Which makes this evening's presentation on the research and analysis phase of the Cultural Action Plan a somewhat seminal moment. With dozens of Richmond's cultural movers-and-shakers, at least from the established and semi-established corners, in the room, the consultants from the well-respected firm of WolfBrown need to deliver. And what they deliver needs to feel relevant, new and engaging to a crowd that's all too familiar with the "been there, done that" feeling that often comes from well-intended strategic plans and visioning exercises.
Even Don Harrison at Save Richmond is crossing his fingers:
But if you are a Richmond artist, or arts-related professional, you probably owe it to yourself to attend the meeting on Monday and hear some feedback, and also find out more about what’s being proposed.
It all comes together at 5:30 tonight at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond (1812 West Main Street) when the Cultural Action Plan's local coordinators and Rebecca Ratzkin of WolfBrown present their findings from a summer of analysis and some 2,500 completed surveys of Richmond residents. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
