crowdsourcing a creative economy in Arlington
How about an Arlington Children's Arts Festival?
I missed the Launch event, but am very interested in the possibilities of the organization. I would like to explore the possibility of an annual arts festival for kids in Arlington. It would be different than the County Fair or any other event that currently exists, as far as I know. But it could feature dance and art classes, book readings, tie in with childrens theater such as Encore Stage. I keep hearing that some town down south (Charleston, maybe) has the premier children's book festival. Why don't we? We have tons of kids, huge cultural attractions nearby, good schools, and lots of creativity. I think we are the perfect place for such an event and would be willing to help plan it.
Views: 9
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cat on -
I like this idea a lot, Jerry. I'm a student at George Mason and I know that student volunteers would be willing to help with it as well. Also, I used to dance with the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers out of Loudoun County, and know that they as well as many other dance and entertainment groups in the area would be interested in performing. I say start contacting the right people, and it can definitely happen.
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Permalink Reply by Robin W. Baxter on -
This is an excellent idea, and Encore Stage & Studio is adding it to our draft strategic plan. To the ingredients Jerry listed that are abundant in Arlington, add "dedicated parents and educators." What a great way to grow the next generation of "Creative Alingtonians"! Is venue a problem?
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Gidner on -
That's great, Robin. I know we discussed it a couple months ago. How do we get started? I know you are familiar with the County Arts world, and I am sure we want to partner with them. I know I said I would put together a list of possible partners (which I have not yet done!). Should we have a meeting to discuss? I know the elementary schools hit the whole book and writing idea pretty hard right when school begins in the fall, at least for Kindergarten. Seems like fall might be a good time, when the learning year is fresh and new. I am unfortunately traveling a lot the next month, but could meet the weekend of March 28th if you wanted to.
Kat - are you in?
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Permalink Reply by Robin W. Baxter on
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Sorry, I am not available to meet then. But we should keep this idea moving forward. Do you feel the best venue would be indoors or outdoors?
Jerry Gidner said:That's great, Robin. I know we discussed it a couple months ago. How do we get started? I know you are familiar with the County Arts world, and I am sure we want to partner with them. I know I said I would put together a list of possible partners (which I have not yet done!). Should we have a meeting to discuss? I know the elementary schools hit the whole book and writing idea pretty hard right when school begins in the fall, at least for Kindergarten. Seems like fall might be a good time, when the learning year is fresh and new. I am unfortunately traveling a lot the next month, but could meet the weekend of March 28th if you wanted to.
Kat - are you in?
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Permalink Reply by Carol Lowe Brooke on
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This would be great. I could help plan it too.
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Permalink Reply by Chris DeRosa on
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Hi, all. I was wondering if the idea & plans for an Arlington Children's Arts Festival are moving forward... I think this would be a great idea -- we have so many talented youth in Arlington! I am sure we could line up several APS school groups for performances.
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Permalink Reply by Monique O'Grady on -
I like this idea a lot too, Jerry. We need to foster children's talent and interest in the arts. I think it would be great to get Arlington Public Schools and Parks and Rec involved.
With the Cultural Center launching in a year, I see this as a great location for an event of this magnitude.
Pulling in our rich resources like Ballet NOVA, Encore, Lola Lombard and Moley Evans' Left Noodle - Right Noodle, Arlington Public Schools, the educational resources of Synetic, Signature and others...we would have a world-class event.
I hope Creative Arlington can brainstorm about an event like this and offer a well thought out idea.
Thanks,
Monique O'Grady
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Permalink Reply by Matthew Carney on
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I think using the grand opening of the cultural center to showcase Arlington children's talent and creativity is a fantastic idea. I would suggest we also try to frame the event from a cultural diversity perspective. That would be something spectacular.
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Permalink Reply by Robin W. Baxter on
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With the announcement that the Virginia arts promotion, "Minds Wide Open" has announced its 2012 theme: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts, perhaps there will be an opportunity to get going with the proposed “Arlington Chidren’s Arts Festival”?
See the website, and look under March 2010 news: http://www.artsva.com/tabid/711/Default.aspx
Not that we'd wait until 2012, but if we got started, we could tie in with that?
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Permalink Reply by Amy Stempel on -
I'm all over this and would love to be part of it! My organization, Lightbulb Learning, does summer arts/literacy workshops. I'd love to be involved and help get it up and running.
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Permalink Reply by Ted Bilich on -
This is a terrific idea. I know that the school system has a county-wide art competition (my son, who is at Key, was a competitor), and I think there is room for much more. Maybe we could sponsor something in conjunction with the Artists Alliance?
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Gidner on
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I think we have critical mass of interest to have a meeting to start talking about this in earnest. This week is totally, horribly bad for me, and next week is not great. Are people available the week of May 9th? Maybe Wednesday, which should be the 12th if I am not mistaken.
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