Online surveys seeks input on possible arts facilities

A national non-profit just might build facilities that would provide affordable live/work housing, studios for artists, and space for art organizations.

July 10, 2014; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The City of Richmond and other partners¹ ask that artists, art organizations, and creative businesses take online surveys meant to determine the feasibility of building one or more multi-use art facilities that would provide affordable live/work housing, studios, and public spaces.

The surveys are the second phase of the work Artspace Projects began last year. Artspace Projects is a national nonprofit that runs 35 affordable arts facilities in 13 states. In 2013, Artspace Projects held preliminary visits to see if the Richmond-Petersburg area could sustain one or more of its facilities. The survey will help the organization determine if there is a market for them in the area.

“This project has something to offer residents who are involved with a creative pursuit or organization as it is a unique tool that can help the City revitalize and inject positive energy into some of our most underinvested neighborhoods,” said Lee Downey, director of the City of Richmond’s Department of Economic and Community Development in a released statement. “Growing the creative economy will not only help grow the overall local economy, but also make it more diverse and more resilient to economic downturns.”

There is a survey for artists and creative individuals and one for arts, creative, and cultural organizations and businesses. There’s also an option to take both surveys. Each single survey will take 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

The surveys close on September 5th.

photo courtesy of Artspace Projects