Agenda - 03-28-2017 - 2 - County Commissioners – Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plans-Reports

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40 SOLUTIONS: • Expanded OCAC social media presence to include twitter and Instagram (our facebook page has seen a 106% increase in followers since September) • Improved monthly e-newsletter highlighting the arts community (our enews has seen a 20% increase in subscribers since September, as well as twice the open and click-through rates of readership) • Production of an Orange County Arts Map (2017) • More useful and informative website (artsorange.org has seen 76% increase in traffic). • Better utilization of media contacts to promote the arts in Orange County 2. UNIFICATION & COMMUNICATION One common complaint among arts stakeholders has been a lack of communication within the arts community, both within similar groups, organizations within the same community, and communication among the three primary communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. SOLUTIONS: • Formation of Orange County Creatives group on Facebook to "start the conversation" (105 members as of 12.13.16) • Hosting social events and focus groups to encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas (2017) 3. COORDINATION OF COUNTY-WIDE INITIATIVES Most county arts entities are working within the confines of the nonprofit world (limited resources and time), and are strictly focused on their own mission. There is a lack of projects that benefit the greater arts community and promote, on a larger scale, the arts of Orange County. SOLUTIONS: • Researching grant opportunities to allow for county-wide programs and projects including research projects, public art and placemaking and events. Long term needs and a related plan of action will be assessed through our Focus Group Series happening in Spring 2017. The immediate challenges we plan to address in 2017 include: 1. FUNDING All external OCAC funding (from NC Arts Council) is spent on local arts grants. Increased streams of revenue would allow the OCAC to take on more programs and promotional campaigns and serve as a greater resource for the arts community. The OCAC will be exploring fundraising options to support our goals. 2. FRAGMENTED RESOURCES There are many arts resources spread throughout the county. How do we make sure each resource is being fully utilized by those who need it? How do we make sure we're not duplicating efforts? How do we work in collaboration to accomplish more? 3. GETTING THE ARTS IN THE CONVERSATION Almost every municipal project, tourism campaign, or economic development initiative is an opportunity to incorporate the arts and promote Orange County as an arts destination. Everything from new sidewalk trash receptacles to the solicitation of new businesses can and should utilize our thriving arts community.