Local arts sector is full of resilience, opportunity and value

FARGO — As we reflect on accomplishments in our region’s local arts sector, we recognize 2023 as a year of exciting change and transition and are excited about the opportunities in 2024. Many long standing arts institutions now have new leaders at the helm: Curt Olds at FM Opera , Erin Shapiro at Plains Art Museum , Colt Neidhardt at Theatre B and Mindy Heitkamp at FM Symphony . These leaders bring fresh perspectives to their roles while respecting the legacies of each organization. In my new role at The Arts Partnership, I look forward to working with them and the other arts sector leaders in 2024. Opportunity Although the arts sector in our community (and nationally) has not fully rebounded from the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many things that give The Arts Partnership and our partners optimism as we head into 2024. As someone whose job it is to support and advocate for local arts, I see up close the way our arts leaders are not just thinking about artistic collaborations but are actively engaging with arts groups outside their genres as well. That’s exciting. And these organizations are finding ways to engage audiences, as evidenced by December’s sold out shows for FM Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” Theatre B’s “Decked!,” and many busy local holiday art sales and vendor shows. Sold out events and busy arts shopping mean these organizations are putting time, energy and talent into reaching outside their typical circles to bring in audiences that may not be as familiar with local performing arts. ADVERTISEMENT Resilience I’m proud of how resilient our arts community is – and the positive impact it has on the residents of and visitors to the area. Arts groups are finding ways to carry on despite challenges with funding and other support. In some cases, that means doing a little less, but doing it very well. In other cases, it means finding new ways to reach new audiences. No matter the arts organization, it’s impressive and very inspirational to experience the work they are presenting and producing. Economics The Arts Partnership led local efforts of the Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, which examined the economic and social impact of participating local arts sector. The results were released in October 2023. More information about the study: https://theartspartnership.net/arts economic prosperity 6/. Contributed / TAP As for The Arts Partnership, we led the community’s participation in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 , an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. We weren’t surprised by the results: that the Greater Fargo Moorhead West Fargo’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates millions of dollars ($55.1 million to be clear) in economic activity – dollars that support local jobs (1,384) and contribute to tax coffers, which then support the services that benefit our community’s residents. Throughout 2024, we’ll explore in a little more depth what some of those numbers mean to our community on our social networks and in other communications outlets throughout the community. Value Finally, I want to thank The Arts Partnership’s Board of Directors for adopting a fourth core value this year: to “Advance equitable access to and inclusion through the arts.” This value comes from the work done by an internal TAP board committee to explore issues around diversity, equity and inclusion. This is not work that can or should be rushed. However, the board also believes strongly about moving toward action in being more equitable and all our programs and messaging. Expressing this value underscores the perspectives that guide The Arts Partnership and further underscores our mission to cultivate community through the arts. Art is a universal language. It acts as a vessel to share stories, bring awareness and celebrate all cultures. We believe that the arts can lead the way to making all in our community feel welcome and valued. For TAP’s staff and board, this fourth core value will serve as a continual reminder to consciously and deliberately work to make our programs equitable and inclusive – and to encourage our Partners and colleagues in the arts sector to do the same. ADVERTISEMENT Read more from The Arts Partnership Check out this list of the best reads for 2023 Dec 25, 2023 Creature of curiosity: The art and life of Christina Johnson Dec 18, 2023 The holidays are on the rocks in ‘Decked!,’ now showing at Theatre B Dec 11, 2023 The Arts Partnership debuts local art gift guide Dec 4, 2023 This article is part of a content partnership with The Arts Partnership, a nonprofit organization cultivating the arts in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. For more information, visit theartspartnership.net. Share Share this article Supported by Supported by Produced with financial support from an organization or individual that did not approve or review the work. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags THE ARTS PARTNERSHIP ART FARGO