In light of the positive feedback we’ve received from local artists and creatives, we’ve decided to extend the Creative Currency Campaign through to the end of the summer. We’re so excited you all have embraced this initiative, and appreciate your efforts on behalf of our creative community here in Sarasota!!

The Creative Currency gold coins are still available at Suntrust Bank and the Bank of Commerce in downtown Sarasota.

As an eMerge member/blogger I have to concede that I’m slightly biased– nevertheless, I thought this past weekend’s art rally was a huge success. With belly dancers and unicycling children providing a stimulating intro (how could we go wrong?), speakers Russ Crumley, Virginia Hoffman, Tim Raines, Matt Orr, Eric Massey, and Larry Thompson exercised their oratory prowess in front of over a hundred enthusiastic onlookers. Delivering their speeches from the height of a soapbox, they addressed the current status of Sarasota artists and creatives, what we as a community need to do to support them, and (my personal favorite, though I’m sure it will make others grumble) how popular obsessions like baseball should come down a notch on our priority list in favor of the arts. Standing with the rest of the throng, holding a hand-made sign and blowing periodically on my noise-maker, I was thrilled to be part of a group that champions a truly critical segment of society. Itself still emerging as a collaborative community effort, it looks as if eMerge is off to a great start.

PS– go out and use your creative currency! And for those who missed the rally, pictures will be up soon…

Ringling College of Art and Design President, Dr. Larry Thompson, shared his definition of a “creative” at the eMerge arts rally this past weekend and encouraged collaboration as Sarasota County builds its reputation as a creative coast. Citing the importance of an overarching artistic psychology in today’s economy, Dr. Thompson drew rousing cheers from a crowd of students, professionals, and members of the media.

Dr. Thompson was also the first participant in the Creative Currency campaign, exchanging a $100 bill for 100 US Golden dollars coins. Artists, creatives and others employed by Sarasota County’s arts, cultural and creative industries are encouraged to participate in the campaign by paying for goods and services with US Presidential gold dollar coins during the month of May. The campaign’s goal is to generate a widespread community dialog and tangibly illustrate the impact of  the arts, culture and creativity on the local economy.

US Presidential gold coins are available for exchange at the downtown Sarasota branch of SunTrust bank starting Monday, May 11.

Support Sarasota County’s creatives and artists at an arts advocacy rally on Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 pm.

The message: “We support the arts because the arts supports us.” The arts have a $120 million impact on Sarasota County’s local economy.
The goal: Emphasis the connection between creatives, arts, culture and the economy.

Help us: Communicate to your constituencies the importance of our visibly on May 9.

Speak out: Post a comment to this blog. Want to do more? Write your elected officials.

Meet us in the Pineapple Day Spa parking lot in Burns Square.
Rally Organizers: Organized by eMerge. eMerge is a community-minded collaboration forging connections between creatives and artists.

Check out the Herald Tribune’s guest column, featuring Sarasota County Arts Council’s Russ Crumley.

Guest Column

working definition from meeting April 14

Calling all eMerging Implementers. Let us know your thoughts on the following definition.

 

eMerge Sarasota seeks to connect with all arts enthusiasts to develop a recognized creative class through shared resources, opportunities and communications.

who: arts enthusiasts.
Both producting artists and creative professionals.

what: eMerge seeks to connect.

why: to develop a recognized creative class.

how: shared resources, opportunities and communication.

RSVP by commenting below.

Friday, April 17
8 pm – 11 pm
eMerge mixer
Where? The open space next to Art & Frame.
1055 S. Tamiami Trail

Talk is cheap. Inaction is deadly. Let’s eMerge.

Bring your own beverage.

I don’t know. But I know where to look in St. Pete. Check out Sudio 620.    http://www.studio620.org/620/

How do we get one of these?

We certainly do not lack vacant office/retail/warehouse space to house such a project.

Wow, what a dialog we had on Monday.

Now, more than ever, the need for a collaborative approach to supporting local artists and connecting them with the community is apparent. Many artists are frustrated with arts organizations, the community and the public sector. And, what they need is not impossible, expensive or unreasonable. We can get started by merely taking an inventory of who’s out there, pooling resources and also maintaining a positive attitude.

If you weren’t at the Emerge kick-off discussion on Monday, facilitated break-out groups considered solutions and expressed opinions on subjects like collaborating across county lines, listening to independent artists in the public sector and adding art to empty spaces.

In the break-out groups, we tried to focus on next steps to generate a positive impact but the challenges of the past and present were reiterated. While we all know them but they are worth repeating: independent, professional artists and arts organizations are facing more limited resources; independent artists are disenfranchised by the respect given to them in their own “arts” community; frustrated and burned out artists and some of their “Enthusiasts” are no longer willing to advocate or volunteer.

Could “Emerge” be part of the solution?

Read more »