Agenda - 02-21-2012-13 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hillsborough's thriving art scene has emerged within the last 10 years: the Hillsborough Arts Council's Last Friday event attracts thousands of patrons each month during the spring and summer, its winter Parlor Concerts sell out, and its giant puppet parades inspire both children and adults. The arts have helped to spark a renaissance in downtown Hillsborough, which has led to a strong merchant and restaurant presence. However, there is a perennial need in central and northern Orange County for space and venue for the expression of the arts and humanities. Performance, rehearsal, gallery, and studio spaces that are specialized and affordable are very difficult to find, as are office, meeting, and teaching facilities. Locating multiple entities, with shared focuses on art, culture, history, and heritage, all in one physical location in the heart of a community (Hillsborough), would encourage a dynamic exchange of inspiration, ideas, and work, as well as an opportunity to share underpinning resources. The energy feeds back into the community, encouraging creative individuals and businesses to make this their community as well. Arts and historical attractions serve as a cornerstone for Orange County tourism. The Chapel Hill /Orange County Visitors Bureau reported that 3 of the top 10 Orange County Attractions in 2009 were arts related (by reported attendance). Tourism in Orange County provides sales to local businesses, tax dollars to municipal governments and employment for residents. According to the Orange County Office of Economic Development, total visitor spending in the county was $144.07 million in Orange County during 2010. Challenges & Opportunities The Cultural Center will be operating in a climate of economic uncertainly that is outside of its control. Personal income and leisure time drive demand for cultural and artistic programs. As a discretionary spending item, attending performances depends on personal income and competes for the consumer dollar with other entertainment and pastimes. Additionally, the Center will partially depend on third -party sources for investment and supplemental funding, as revenue won't always cover expenses. Corporate and individual sponsorships, foundation and government grants, and gifts will help underwrite operations. This support will also hinge on the health of the economy; changes in corporate profits, the stock market, and government budgets will influence financial support from private and public sources. However, a variety of opportunities are being pursued locally to develop new audiences. The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau is currently working in numerous ways to increase visitor traffic. It has added a Smartphone plan to their media schedule that will offer listings of Chapel Hill /Orange County restaurants, events and shopping in the area. Smartphone usage has increased significantly over the last 5 years and travel applications are some of the most used applications in the market. The Visitors Bureau is also teaming up with the Greater Raleigh and Durham County Visitors Bureaus to promote local art throughout the Triangle. Arts in the Triangle will be the official arts site for visitors in North Carolinas Research Triangle Region. Visitors will be able to view upcoming events in visual and performing arts and plan a triangle arts getaway by downloading itineraries. Visitors come to Orange County looking for authenticity, for the character of a place, and for unique attractions. The county is a blossoming cultural destination for those from near and far. A vibrant Orange County Cultural Center Confidential Page 11 of 30 Strategic Business Plan (v.1.0) 9/8/2011