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50 <br />• Infrastructure <br />o Access to arts experiences is critical to the overall well -being of County residents of <br />all ages. A primary challenge within the arts community, identified by the OCAC <br />through conversations and our Listening Session Series, is the lack of space for the <br />arts. This includes proper exhibit space, performing space for community <br />theatre /comedy groups, work /studio space, maker space, and creative space for <br />children and teens. The OCAC will begin examining the current arts infrastructure <br />available within the county in 2018. We have submitted a project proposal to the <br />UNC Public Policy Capstone to help us assess available space currently available in <br />the county, as well as the feasibility for a free - standing center for arts and culture in <br />Orange County. We will also host interest meetings for individuals wanting to <br />contribute to the conversation involving space needs in the county. <br />Goal 3: Implement planning and economic development policies which create a balanced, dynamic <br />local economy, and which promote diversity, sustainable growth, and enhanced revenue while <br />embracing community values. <br />• Economic Development <br />• As the OCAC analyzes the data gathered during our nine -part listening sessions <br />series, we will be strategizing on future projects and initiatives to tackle the major <br />areas of need within the arts community. Nearly all future projects will involve <br />community partnerships with local groups and organizations with the end result <br />being a healthier arts community. By strengthening the financial success of our arts <br />community, we will also generate economic growth for the overall economy. <br />• The OCAC will continue to present to local boards and commissions the local <br />findings of Americans for the Arts Arts & Economic Prosperity Survey 5, explaining <br />the significant role the arts play in the economy of our county. <br />• The OCAC will play a greater role in resolving the issue of arts space in Orange <br />County. (see above) <br />Goal 6: Ensure a high quality of life and lifelong learning that champions diversity, education at all <br />levels, libraries, parks, recreation, and animal welfare. <br />• Diversity <br />• The OCAC will continue to prioritize projects that employ minority artists and impact <br />diverse audiences through our Grassroots Arts Project Grants. <br />• As we determine our future programs in early 2018, a major priority will be <br />accessibility and equity in every program or project we initiate. This was a major <br />topic within all nine of our recent listening sessions and will continue to be a part of <br />all future initiatives. <br />• The OCAC will be participating in the Fredrick Douglass Bicentennial Celebration <br />during 2018, in partnership with the Town of Chapel Hill, Orange County Public <br />Library, the Chapel Hill — Carrboro NAACP and others <br />• Education <br />• The OCAC will continue to serve as an active partner in Arts in Education <br />programming for Orange County through the ArtsCenter's Arts in Schools program, <br />as well as through our grant program and involvement in other school initiatives. <br />• The OCAC will strategize, with our community partners, ways to offer more, high <br />quality arts experiences for residents of all ages, races, and socioeconomic <br />backgrounds within Orange County through our grants program. <br />• Parks /Recreation <br />o The OCAC plans to partner with local groups to offer more public art and creative <br />placemaking opportunities throughout the county, contributing the quality of life of <br />