City to Launch Survey of Creative Professionals

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The City of Williamsburg wants to tap its artistic assets, but needs to know just how many creative professionals want to live and work within its boundaries.

Starting Oct. 26, the city will launch an online survey designed to help the city understand the space needs of creative professionals, from fine artists to artisans to graphic designers and writers. The information gathered in the survey will help the city plan its newly established Arts District.

Two surveys will be administered, one for individuals and one for organizations and businesses. Several agencies affiliated with the project will host a Workshop and Kick-Off Event on Oct. 26, which will be an opportunity for those in creative fields to learn more about the Arts District and the survey process. The workshop will start at 7 p.m. at the Williamsburg Community Building.

The online surveys will be available for participation between Oct. 26 and Dec. 21 here. People may sign up to receive an electronic invitation to the survey.

Economic Development Director Michele Mixner DeWitt said the city is working to promote the survey to the region, as well. They’ve created a Facebook event, and are working with major art organizations, such as the Virginia Opera, to spread the word to their members and supporters.

“The success of the Arts District depends on broad participation and engagement by our diverse creative community,” said Mayor Clyde Haulman in a press release. “This means not only visual and performing artists, but also graphic designers, architects, the communications and computer industries – and other endeavors where the ‘capital’ is creativity.”

The city created an Arts District in February. It provides tax incentives and regulatory relief to qualified creative businesses and artists who do business in the District. By encouraging growth in the creative sector, the city hopes to diversify its economy, increase and maintain the vitality of the city, retain and attract creative professionals, increase traffic and customers to existing businesses, add to the tourism economy and revitalize a mixed-use neighborhood. The Arts District encompasses several blocks bounded by Lafayette Street, Monticello Street and Richmond Road.