Crookston already has a strong arts community. There are over 11 groups in Crookston right now. How can we take advantage of what we have and take it to the next level? Here’s the last part of my seven point vision for revitalizing Crookston. Why not capitalize on the vacant spaces in town for working spaces, performing spaces and affordable housing for artists? Those of you who picked up the first Prairie Skyline Foundation’s printed newsletter at the Irishman’s Shanty have the heads up on you. Let’s move forward by developing a Center for the Arts for performing and display space.
“No other state or nation supports the number and range of artists’ centers that Minnesota does.” Said Ann Markusen, author of the new study: “Artists’ Centers: Evolution and Impact on Careers, Neighborhoods and Economies.” Pam Holsinger Fuchs sent this article from the author to me awhile ago knowing I had long thought the arts center concept would be perfect for the former Cathedral on Ash Street. The article comes from the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) Reporter, Summer 2006 issue. It was such a great article that I am daring to synopsize it.
First it defines an artist center as being different from other artist-serving organizations and training institutions by having “(1) a dedicated space for gatherings, shared equipment, personal or group work, and exhibitions or performances; and (2) an open door, in the sense that anyone who expresses an interest may become a member; have access to events and services at an affordable price; and apply for merit-based mentorships, funding, and exhibitions.” Do we have a building or buildings? YES, the former Cathedral on Ash Street combined with the former Carnegie Library is perfectly suited for it. Just check out the architect drawings of the performance and display capabilities of the former gothic Catholic cathedral above.
Small towns such as Northfield, Grand Marais, and New York Mills have centers serving artists. Just imagine the former Cathedral with live music filling the space, perhaps using the antiphonal balconies, with visual art by local artists fill the walls and moveable panels. “New York Mills Regional Cultural Center hosts six to eight gallery exhibitions a year, some showcasing emerging local artists or historic community photos, and many performances. Visiting and area poets, authors, and storytellers share their work through readings and workshops. Traveling theater, music and dance groups perform in the gallery. The center helps artists overcome the disadvantages of being far from a major city. A monthly artist forum series brings together artists from all over the area to network and critique each other’s work. In addition the center works with other organizations to educate artists about the business side of the arts. Visiting artists offer jazz improvisation workshops, build public sculptures with community members and interact with community youth.”
Art centers are valuable community assets. The Cathedral Gallery or the Crookston Community Center for the Arts (or other appropriate name) will provide exhibition space for new and cutting edge contemporary art as well as traditional fine art. Besides visual arts, The Arts Center will also provide facilities for theatre, music, performance art and other arts, as well as art education. The proposed site is the former Cathedral on Ash Street. The former Cathedral is gothic in style with a large nave that when included with the three balconies, two of which are antiphonal seats up to 1000 people. The former altar area is perfect for a stage with two areas just off the “stage,” the North Sacristy and the South Storage area make it perfect for plays, dance, and theatre arts as well as music performances. The northwest region of Minnesota is ripe with artistic talent (over 100 active visual artists) who long for such a “jewel on the prairie” showplace and are willing to consign works for sale for a 30% commission. (On-line survey 2005 NWRDC)
Arts and tourism have long been known as economic development tools even though Arts Centers rely heavily on memberships and on local contributions. We propose to keep operating costs down by offering the building to local electric suppliers and contractors to use as an example of newer energy efficient technologies such as solar and geothermal.
The Center could also have a museum aspect qualifying the project for Institute for Museum Sciences grants. A theme of the French Catholic and Native American foundation of the original St. Anne’s and St. Mary’s the wooden pro-cathedral that preceded the Cathedral for the English speaking, celebrates the Oxcart travel and makes a nice tie into Crookston. Another possibility is a Northwestern Minnesota Gateway Visitor’s Center bringing in state tourism dollars and or a Transportation Enhancement grant. At this time the funding plan of owner, Prairie Skyline Foundation, Inc., is to raise $40,000 through leveraging small grants and donations to apply for a Federal Environmental Protection “Brownfield’s” Clean-up grant of $160,000. The new total of $200,000 will go a long way towards leveraging a McKnight Foundation capital grant for the Arts Center. It is possible that we go before the State Legislature to be included in their bonding bill for the final funding piece of the The $1.2 million dollar Arts Center.
It’s been documented that youth in the neighborhood have been energized and engaged by the arts. And indeed we will want to encourage small grantors interested in human development and furthering intercultural interaction like the new arts program at the Care and Share Shelter. Older residents can interact with the younger generation. The arts attract people with kids to the community. The arts can turn downtown around, supplying positive energy. The arts can create new connections between new partners, such as Artspace, a non-profit low-income housing developer who could develop the former “Professional Building.” No other field of interest, even sports, can provide the culture needed to attract the business executives needed to grow the community. With the support of the many arts organizations and community leaders in Crookston alone, we can jumpstart the economic center and character of Crookston.
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