Residents to Arts Council: We want more
Current and former members of the Medford Arts Council, in pre-party mode.
By Travis Andersen
Town Correspondent
Residents want the Medford Arts Council to fund more creative projects, according to a recent survey.
The council - which receives state funding and has a balance of about $33,000 - funds art projects through a competitive grant process, along with field trips and other opportunities for local schoolchildren.
The council attaches a survey to residents' water bills each year to see what the public wants for the local arts community. The survey is also available online.
Of the 211 respondents in this year's survey, all but one said the council should continue backing the arts. But residents remain divided on the specific offerings they'd like to see more.
Respondents made 128 requests for more concerts and other live acts; 115 for art shows and craft fairs; 105 for art classes; 92 for public art such as murals or sculptures; 74 for talks and exhibitions on local history; and 65 for open studios, or visits to artists' work spaces.
Council treasurer Will Tenney said respondents may see less of a need for open studios - located mainly in West Medford - since the current ones have thrived.
"[They're thinking] we have so many open studios, why rock the boat?" Tenney said.
The bottom line, according to council chair Maria Daniels, is that residents have a growing appetite for the arts.
"People wish there was more," Daniels said.
On a similar note, the council - which has seven voting members - wants to add between nine and 12 to the volunteer body. It can have up to 22, according to city ordinance.
Council secretary Sandra Shaheen said she's talking with a business owner in West Medford who expressed interest. Shaheen declined to identify the woman, since she hasn't committed, adding that she's supported many nonprofits.
"She's certainly good at distributing information," Shaheen said.
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