Chattanooga has made a name for itself through a focus on the arts. If that is to continue, it will take a collage of community members working together, which is the premise for the recently unveiled Imagine 20/20 campaign.
“[The plan] really starts the dialogue about community – how can we make our community better?” explained steering committee co-chair Tom White. “It’s a blueprint for the role arts and culture can play and are playing in that process. We want a vibrant, diverse culture celebrated locally, regionally and nationally for the ways in which creativity and arts and culture enriches and enhances our way of life.”
Just as the plan stresses access to the arts for all, the subcommittees formed to put the plan in place are open to anyone with a desire to serve. Based on interest, experience or connections, citizens can choose from the areas of: diversity, downtown, economic development, education, infrastructure and resources and quality of life.
“We hope many of you will be part of continuing the evolution of this plan,” said Jim Kennedy, future chair of the Allied Arts board, which is now tasked with guiding the plan’s development. “We want to pick your brain. You’re all busy people, but for many of you there are things in this plan that speak to your priorities and interests.”
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for June in order to report back on progress and keep the plan’s implementation accountable to the public. In the meantime, anyone can follow the process and progress online, either at imaginechattanooga2020.org or via Facebook.