Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts Release Results of Arts Study
Study Gauges Viability of Artisan Center and Studio 107
Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts recently completed a study to gauge the future viability of PHCC’s The Artisan Center and Piedmont Arts’ Studio 107.
With the assistance of KEA Consulting Services, the study was completed through facilitated community focus groups; two electronic surveys—one for artists and one for the community at large; and one-on-one interviews with artists.
Key Findings
Overall, the study found that artists and community members feel that a vibrant arts and cultural scene is important to the community.
Co-Locating or Re-locating
The study found that artists and community members value collaboration between The Artisan Center and Studio 107, but indicated that the artists currently renting space at Studio 107 did not see value in co-locating with The Artisan Center or exploring options for re-location in general, as they feel the studio is in an ideal location with regard to visibility, regular customer traffic, and parking.
Marketing
“This was a difficult decision for Piedmont Arts, but it is no longer financially viable for the museum to subsidize the costs of running Studio 107," said Executive Director Kathy Rogers. "We remain committed to serving the arts community in Martinsville-Henry County and we hope to offer assistance to the artists who currently call Studio 107 home, in the event that they wish to explore options for operating Studio 107."
Prior to seeking artist and community feedback through the study, several options were considered to make the operation of the studio viable, including a rent increase and co-locating with The Artisan Center, but study results indicated that an increase in rent would be a strain on artists and that the artists preferred for the studio to remain in its current location.
“Piedmont Arts will continue discussions with Patrick Henry Community College and look for ways to work together to enhance the arts in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Rogers. “Both organizations have a desire to promote the performing and visual arts, and we are open to looking for ways to share resources in the best interest of the community.”
Marketing
According to the study, many artists feel that increased marketing and a co-marketing agreement between Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts could improve the sustainability of both The Artisan Center and Studio 107.
Demand for Studio Space
Most artists who participated in the study currently work from home studios and have little to no interest in renting space outside their homes for the purpose of art making. Artists currently renting space cited affordability as the determining factor in renting work or display space.
Classes
Of those surveyed, the majority view having a vibrant arts and cultural scene as important to the community. There seems to be more community engagement with the performing arts than the fine arts, and when residents do attend arts-related classes and workshops, they go to other venues than Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts, according to the survey results. When they do take classes or workshops, respondents stated they preferred to take photography, painting, culinary arts and jewelry making.
Working Together
Outcome
The Artisan Center
Patrick Henry Community College will continue to offer classes and workshops through its Artisan Center in photography, painting, culinary arts and jewelry making, along with woodturning, woodworking, quilting, and glass. Recently added classes include evening culinary workshops, and dance, and creative writing and poetry classes are being planned.
“The survey and interviews gave us a great deal of useful information, and we will look at offering some new and different classes and programming in response to the feedback we received,” said Dr. Angeline Godwin, Patrick Henry Community College president. “For example, we will begin to offer more short-term, personal enrichment workshops in a variety of artistic areas.”
The Artisan Center will also continue to develop a collaborative relationship with Reynolds Homestead in Patrick County, where it now offers weaving and pottery, in addition to exploring opportunities to work together with Piedmont Arts and other arts organizations.
Studio 107
As a result of the study and a long-term revenue to expense deficit incurred by Piedmont Arts in operating Studio 107, the museum's Board of Directors voted on April 15 to discontinue its operation of the studio, effective July 31, 2015.
Demand for Studio Space
Most artists who participated in the study currently work from home studios and have little to no interest in renting space outside their homes for the purpose of art making. Artists currently renting space cited affordability as the determining factor in renting work or display space.
Classes
Of those surveyed, the majority view having a vibrant arts and cultural scene as important to the community. There seems to be more community engagement with the performing arts than the fine arts, and when residents do attend arts-related classes and workshops, they go to other venues than Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts, according to the survey results. When they do take classes or workshops, respondents stated they preferred to take photography, painting, culinary arts and jewelry making.
Working Together
- Survey responses identified various ways that Patrick Henry Community College and Piedmont Arts could work together to support professional and aspiring artists, including:
- More exposure opportunities for local and visiting artists for all parts of the community, including K–12 students and various youth groups
- More venues to display and sell creative work
- Affordable, flexible workshops and other educational opportunities
- More art festivals, shows, and exhibits to create buzz around the area’s artistic talents
Outcome
The Artisan Center
Patrick Henry Community College will continue to offer classes and workshops through its Artisan Center in photography, painting, culinary arts and jewelry making, along with woodturning, woodworking, quilting, and glass. Recently added classes include evening culinary workshops, and dance, and creative writing and poetry classes are being planned.
“The survey and interviews gave us a great deal of useful information, and we will look at offering some new and different classes and programming in response to the feedback we received,” said Dr. Angeline Godwin, Patrick Henry Community College president. “For example, we will begin to offer more short-term, personal enrichment workshops in a variety of artistic areas.”
The Artisan Center will also continue to develop a collaborative relationship with Reynolds Homestead in Patrick County, where it now offers weaving and pottery, in addition to exploring opportunities to work together with Piedmont Arts and other arts organizations.
Studio 107
As a result of the study and a long-term revenue to expense deficit incurred by Piedmont Arts in operating Studio 107, the museum's Board of Directors voted on April 15 to discontinue its operation of the studio, effective July 31, 2015.
“This was a difficult decision for Piedmont Arts, but it is no longer financially viable for the museum to subsidize the costs of running Studio 107," said Executive Director Kathy Rogers. "We remain committed to serving the arts community in Martinsville-Henry County and we hope to offer assistance to the artists who currently call Studio 107 home, in the event that they wish to explore options for operating Studio 107."
Prior to seeking artist and community feedback through the study, several options were considered to make the operation of the studio viable, including a rent increase and co-locating with The Artisan Center, but study results indicated that an increase in rent would be a strain on artists and that the artists preferred for the studio to remain in its current location.
“Piedmont Arts will continue discussions with Patrick Henry Community College and look for ways to work together to enhance the arts in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Rogers. “Both organizations have a desire to promote the performing and visual arts, and we are open to looking for ways to share resources in the best interest of the community.”
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