Good People, Good Causes: Partnerships for Lawrence

Writer / Kathi Moore

You are likely aware of the Lawrence Arts Center, which opened on Franklin Road several years ago. The arts center is the “place” of the Partnerships for Lawrence (PFL), a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization that offers arts programming, public art projects and cultural events.

In November 2013 the organization was awarded a cultural planning consultancy grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. This allowed Lawrence cultural and business leaders to work with Ball State University “Building Better Communities” expert Sharon Canaday to develop a formal Cultural Development Plan. Interestingly, her husband is a retired Army Brigadier General with a history at Ft. Ben and their children are also military, so she feels the history of the area.

The newly released plan, called “Living Lawrence,” will be facilitated by a structured committee called the Lawrence ACT (Arts and Cultural Team), co-chaired by two PFL board members whose responsibility it will be to connect with community members, facilitating and validating initiatives that residents desire. “Arts and culture have been economic tools for hundreds of years,” commented Judy Byron, executive director of PFL. “This plan is about place-making and cultural development as a boost to the Lawrence economy.”

Five major goals make up the foundation of the plan. Each is then broken down into specific objectives and action steps, which we’ll see in the coming years.

1. Establish the Lawrence Arts & Cultural Team (ACT) under the Partnerships for Lawrence, Inc. to implement the plan.
2. Create a cultural destination through collaborations.
3. Create a sense of place with a geographic scope greater than just the Fort Harrison area.
4. Create a sustainable arts and cultural environment in the community, which will contribute to the economy, tourism, etc.
5. Create a brand identity and marketing plan.

“It’s all about partnerships and helping others bring arts and culture to the city,” explained Byron. “And it’s our intent to complement the city’s master plan, so the mayor’s office and PFL support each other.”

Many partnerships are already in the works. The Lawrence city engineer, Dave Keiser, is on board with the plan, as projects like a cultural trail and veteran’s walk of fame are being designed. And the Lawrence Parks Department and PFL have like ideas for moving the City forward through arts and culture. MSDLT Superintendent Shawn Smith is an advocate of bringing public art to elementary schools, starting with a large project that involves 600 children at Winding Ridge Elementary who get to help with a public art project at the school. A “safe routes to schools” grant may incorporate art in sidewalks, an art club has been created with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization, and Fridays at the Fort is including Lawrence Summer Art campers in performances.

According to BSU’s “Building Better Communities” initiative, arts and cultural programs and venues ‘provide “something to do” for citizens and visitors of all ages; they contribute valuable economic dollars and increase the positive reputation of the area.’ This is something Lawrence needs and will benefit greatly from in the coming years. If you are interested in participating, please contact Judy Byron at JudyByron@gmail.com or 317-408-9525.

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