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15 <br /> NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Arts Commission <br /> Report Period: January-November 2012 <br /> List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. <br /> • Administer two grant programs (spring and fall) that fund artists, schools, arts agencies and <br /> nonprofit organizations sponsoring art projects <br /> • Lead two grant-writing workshops for artists & organizations prior to OCAC grant deadlines <br /> • Apply annually to NC Arts Council for Designated County Partner renewal <br /> • Sponsor Quarterly Artists' Salons, featuring speakers on professional development for artists <br /> • Write and distribute press releases, online newsletters, monthly e-newsletters, grant <br /> guidelines/applications and other occasional publications <br /> • Serve as clearinghouse of arts information on/for Orange County by responding to artists, non- <br /> profit organizations, schools, and the public via phone, email, mail, social media, etc. <br /> • Update and maintain website with information on our programs and services including a <br /> searchable online local arts directory utilizing our database <br /> • Coordinate 5t" District Congressional High School Arts Competition for Orange County; participate <br /> at the district-level competition and reception <br /> • Co-sponsor Emerging Artist Program with arts councils in Durham, Chatham, Person, and <br /> Granville counties <br /> • Co-sponsor Piedmont Laureate Program with arts councils in Durham, Wake & Alamance co's. <br /> Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s): <br /> The OCAC has a role to play in carrying out Goal 3 (Economic Development) and Goal 6 (Quality <br /> of Life) of the BOCC's Goals and Priorities Fiscal Year 2009-10 (approved 9/15/09). <br /> The role of the OCAC in tourism is to help local artists and arts agencies create the "product" <br /> (visual art exhibits, musical concerts, studio tours, theatre performances, etc.) that both locals <br /> and visitors come to Orange County to enjoy. The arts help create more vibrant and prosperous <br /> communities. The presence of creative professionals in a given area is the single most important <br /> factor associated with what visitors will spend. Arts industries & events draw audiences. Nonprofit arts <br /> and culture organizations in Orange County spent a total of$85.4 million during FY 2010, supporting <br /> 3,352 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $8.0 million in local and state government revenue. <br /> Through the creative industries, Orange County has an opportunity to further increase job creation, <br /> attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate the local economy through tourism and <br /> consumer purchases. In addition, creative industries contribute to the contemporary workforce, <br /> making creative contributions to industries' products and services and infusing culture into community <br /> development. Orange County can use the arts to boost the economy in a variety of ways, from <br /> incorporating arts into economic development and community development plans to supporting arts <br /> education and promoting arts assets as boosts to cultural tourism. By investing in the arts and <br /> incorporating arts and culture into economic development plans, Orange County can reap numerous <br /> benefits — economic, social, civic, and cultural — that help generate a more stable, creative workforce; <br /> new tourism; and more livable communities. <br /> The arts teach our children the skills that will make them successful in the 21St century workforce — <br /> innovation, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. The single most effective way to achieve <br />