MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: August 15, 2011
Paul Beyer To Advocate for the Arts as Economic Engine
Paul Beyer, Democratic Candidate for Charlottesville City Council, will discuss his advocacy for the Arts as economic engine at a press conference on Tuesday, August 16th at noon on the steps of the McGuffey Art Center at 201 Second St., NW. Beyer will explain both the economic imperative and the cultural significance of a vibrant Arts scene in Charlottesville.
Beyer proposes greater coordination among the Arts Community, city departments, the business community and the tourism industry. He believes that, “We must begin looking at the Arts as a significant driver of our local economy, and make the appropriate strategic investments. Currently, we’re trying to shoe-string it, and it’s hurting our small businesses, our entrepreneurs, and our artists. The Arts are an area where we should be investing money to make money.”
Beyer recommends two actions :
- Either create a Cultural Affairs Position or expand funding for an existing non-profit to supply comprehensive strategic oversight of the Arts that coordinates tourism, local businesses, non-profits, and City departments.
- Re-institute the “Percent For Art” Policy that set aside 1% of public building projects for public arts and arts initiatives, so that there is dedicated funding for strategic economic analysis, arts coordination, & arts installation.
Beyer believes that Arts investment begins with the City’s recognition of the Arts as an economic engine. Beyer pointed to prominent local festivals such as the Festival of the Photograph, Festival of the Book, and the Virginia Film Festival which have proven to be enormous regional draws, and a music scene which has national prominence. Beyer argues that “Piedmont Council of the Arts recently embarked on an ‘Arts and Economic Impact’ study. Preliminary findings are proving what we all knew. When you go out to a concert, or come to First Fridays, or watch a show at Live Arts, our merchants and restaurants benefit. Putting a dollar figure to this has begun opening people’s eyes to the fact that the Arts aren’t expendable; they are a driver of our local economy.”
In support of his proposal for creating a Cultural Affairs position in the City, Beyer says, “We have different organizations with similar goals and charges working in isolation. We lack a centralized perspective of how the Arts community works with tourism, downtown businesses, and Economic Development.” Beyer reported that the closest organization to assume this role is the Piedmont Council of the Arts. “The City allots $21,500 a year to the Piedmont Council. That is roughly 1/3 of one City staff person’s salary to provide economic development analysis, comprehensive support of the Arts community, and partnering on City initiatives. It’s a missed opportunity to invest money and expect a far greater return.”
Beyer also suggests that recognizing the economic impact of the Arts can free the arts community to focus on less tangible goals, such as cultural diversity and quality of life. “The Arts are a critical component of finding common culture,” Beyer says. “Addressing racism and its multitude of lingering effects in this community means finding ways we come together naturally. It’s a broad base of artists reaching a broad community.” Beyer notes that the down economy has put a strain on every industry, but particularly the Arts Community which depends on disposable income. He believes that “A diverse artist base is dependent upon a diverse consumer base and plentiful funds entering the marketplace. More money coming into the Arts community means that the creative professions remain a viable option.”
“I come from two distinct backgrounds,” says Beyer. “On the one hand, I am a small business owner with 20 employees. So I have a strong pragmatic side that emphasizes small business, job creation, and the local economy. But I also have an arts background, and I feel the Arts community is an underutilized source and inspiration for those jobs.”
Beyer yard signs. They even sell lemonade.
Actually, I admit, those girls are pretty cute. I guess they might have had something to do with the lemonade sales.
Great write up in The Cville this week!
Talk About the City is a forum I am hosting Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The Talk is about civic engagement, about culture, about politics and about visioning. What is Charlottesville now? What do you want Charlottesville to become?
Read more at the “TALK” tab above. And please, make some room on your calendar. The conversation happens downtown. Starts at 8PM. Beverages supplied. Contact Paul Beyer for directions, 434.981.7045 and paul@beyerforcouncil.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2011
PAUL BEYER (D) ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL
On Wednesday, June 8, Paul Beyer (D) stood with supporters at the Downtown Transit Center to announce his candidacy for a seat on Charlottesville City Council. He decided to run, “to give a voice to pragmatic progressives who recognize the importance of a compassionate government that is strategic, forward thinking, and efficient.” He spoke of three priorities, expanding jobs and economic vitality, encouraging sustainable growth and planning, and continuing our commitment to community and the creative arts. “The themes of Jobs, Sustainability & the Arts are informed by my perspective as both a business person and a young person, and they are inseparable in thinking about the future.”
R.L. Beyer is Beyer’s family business that has built homes in Charlottesville since 1972. Its 20 full time employees have been employed an average of 19 years, which Beyer says “speaks to the values of many small businesses in Charlottesville: loyalty to customers, employees and the community.” R.L. Beyer has employed hundreds of subcontractors and other small business people—carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, surveyors, excavators, engineers, bankers, accountants, architects, & graphic designers. “As a business owner, I have a useful perspective of how jobs are created and sustained in our City.”
Beyer has served 6 years on and chaired the Albemarle Housing Committee, as well as worked on committees to redevelop public housing in the City. “I know that affordable workforce housing means more than a percentage of your paycheck,” Beyer says. “Ideally, it means living in community, being close to green spaces and parks, staying close to work, and keeping monthly energy and utility bills under control.” Beyer says that as a housing developer in the City, one acquires in-depth knowledge of the zoning, financing, and the regulatory tools that can both assist and stymie progress. “I am committed to smart growth and green development that prioritizes community, walkable pedestrian and green spaces, access to public transit, and new bike lanes” Beyer says. “And I recognize those things are easier said than done.”
Expanding jobs and economic vitality:
- “The top priority of council needs to be creating more jobs, meaningful employment, and opportunity in our City. We have entrepreneurial energy, medical discovery, green technology. We have already fostered valuable partnerships with U.Va. Now it’s time to take the next step, and target the industries that speak to the needs and aspirations of our citizenry.”
- “Charlottesville’s problem is not un-employment, but rather underemployment. When someone graduates from CHS, or even UVA with a bachelors, masters or doctorate, Charlottesville should have more to offer. Vitality starts with the people and the ideas that work for Charlottesville, and offering the opportunity to advance.
Sustainable Growth and Planning:
- “Sustainability is both environmental and human. It is about holistically planning for the future generations. There is no more sustainable concept than affordable workforce housing. Affordable housing means more than a percentage of your paycheck. Ideally, it means living in community, being close to green spaces and parks, staying close to work, and keeping monthly energy bills low.
Commitment to Culture:
- “I’m running as a young person who is engaged in the arts and creative life of the City. Our City has a distinct image, culture, and vibe that is essential in keeping our families, businesses and young people in the City. A Charlottesville that is progressive, innovative, and green preserves our community orientation and will attract the next generation of entrepreneurs and visionaries. We must not price out our local artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs, or let the cost of living drive out the creative communities that make our city vital.
Water Plan / Meadowcreek Parkway:
- Protracted and divisive debates about parkways and dams have consumed a disproportionate amount of Council’s attention. The decisions we have come to were not easy. They were researched and debated and we should stick with them. Revisiting those decisions now is distracting from far more pressing issues: we need upwardly mobile jobs, a diverse middle class, and a progressive vision for the City.
First and foremost, a sincere thank you to three, creative, awesome individuals in our community.
Matt Pamer with Journey Group. He is a graphic designer, printmaker & true artist. He designed the typeface & thematics & concepts of the printed materials. Terrific, creative guy.
David Robinson, who with his wife, Jenny, has a tremendous full service web, graphic design, & marketing business on East High Street. Please check them out at www.birchstudio.com.
And finally, photographer Tom Daley, paparazzo to rock stars and small-town politicians who have a hard time letting loose for the camera. Please show him some support at www.tomdalyphotography.com.