On April 27th, the Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo came alive with creative energy as nearly 100 artists, culture bearers, and arts advocates gathered for ReFrame Ventura County. This vibrant summit marked the exciting launch of Ventura County’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Strategic Plan (ACCESP) process, signaling a new era of collaboration and growth for our local creative community.
The day-long event, presented by TOArts and the County of Ventura, offered a rich tapestry of activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect. From the morning’s networking session showcasing free artist business development resources to the afternoon’s engaging workshops, ReFrame Ventura County provided a platform for our diverse arts community to come together, share ideas, and shape the future of creativity in our region.
Highlights of the day included:
- A thought-provoking keynote address by Evan Meyer, exploring the intersection of arts, technology, and policy for community impact
- Practical workshops on financial management for artists and nonprofit fundraising strategies
- Focused group discussions to gather input for the ACCESP, ensuring the plan reflects the true needs and aspirations of our creative community
- An enlightening session on arts advocacy, empowering attendees to become effective champions for the arts
- A unique endnote presentation combining African drum rhythms with diverse dance perspectives
The enthusiasm and engagement throughout the event were palpable, reflecting the long-awaited opportunity for our arts community to convene, collaborate, and contribute to a shared vision for Ventura County’s cultural future.
CVL Economics, the consulting firm designing the strategic plan process, were thrilled to witness the passion and insights shared during the focus group sessions. The diverse perspectives and innovative ideas put forth by participants will be invaluable in crafting a strategic plan that truly represents and serves our vibrant arts and culture community of Ventura County.