BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- After five hours of presentation, discussions and outlining issues and recommendations, an assembled group of 55 individuals engaged in various aspects of the arts and representing all three counties of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia established a list of priorities for arts in the region.
"People voted on more than 25 different action items and two came out on top with nearly the same number of votes," said Jeanne Mozier, one of the organizers. "Both referred to the overwhelming desire to be connected across county lines." Specifically, the items called for an integrated website showcasing the arts across the Panhandle and continued collaboration. The third place item was also linked to this idea. "They want to brand the region for the arts," reported Mozier.
The first-ever Eastern Panhandle Arts Summit grew from an initiative by Create West Virginia and the Gateway New Economy Council for a forum aimed at the new economy in the fall. "The arts community wanted to get a jump on the process," said Mozier. "Arts are the core of the creative economy and the Eastern Panhandle counties are filled with artists and arts activities.
Mozier explained that the Summit used a model developed in Morgan County two years ago for a local economic discussion. "It worked again," she said. The Arts Summit was held at the Ice House in Berkeley Springs.
The daylong process of development and discussion of needs for action was facilitated by Sally Marshall of Berkeley Springs. It began with the presentation of thought provoking white papers sporting topics ranging from generational differences in the arts to cultural tourism.
Although the next steps were left to attendees to undertake through their various organizations, the need to continue dialogue on branding was recognized. "We organized the whole Summit online, " said Mozier, "and that's how we'll continue the discussion." The branding dialogue is located on
http://artsroundtable.freeforums.org.
"The energy and excitement in the room through the whole day was electric," said Mozier. "But that's no surprise given the creative force represented by those invited."
In addition to Mozier who represented Morgan County, other members of the planning team were Rip Smith and Malinda Shaver of Berkeley County and Paul Pritchard and Sandy Sponaugle of Jefferson County.
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