Your turn: Community will play integral role in success of Cultural Plan

Recently, the Rockford Area Arts Council, along with support from the City of Rockford, unveiled the community’s first ever Rockford Region Cultural Plan.

The plan outlined four priorities that were developed by the people of the Rockford Region, for the people of the Rockford Region:

• Advocacy and Policy: Telling Rockford’s story better and advocating for increased local and legislative support

• Inclusivity and Intersectional Collaboration: Ensuring all voices are heard and all populations are seen

• Neighborhood and Space Development: Addressing neighborhoods and underutilized spaces as a way to build community cohesion and a sense of belonging

• Youth and Arts Education: Increasing opportunities for youth, and adults, to participate in a variety of arts and culture offerings, thereby enriching our community

Your turn: Together, we will transform our community through arts and culture

I’m excited about the Cultural Plan and what it means for our community.

Being intentional and strategic about the arts and culture will have a great impact on Rockford and our residents —and, I believe, it already is.

Studies have shown that students who are highly engaged in the arts are:

• 5 times less likely to drop out of high school

• 2 times as likely to graduate college

• 78 percent more likely to vote

Studies also show that cultural tourism, driven by arts and cultural attractions, contributes to local economies, with visitors spending money on accommodations, dining and shopping, and communities with strong arts programs often experience reduced crime rates, particularly in urban areas.

In short, the arts play a key role in making cities stronger.

Our city already boasts incredible artists and artistic assets. With organizations such as the Rockford Dance Company and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and venues like the Coronado Performing Arts Center and Starlight Theatre, we are rich in cultural opportunities.

Additionally, events like Live at Levings, Domingos en el Parque and Tuesday Evening in the Gardens bring our community together, celebrating our vibrant creative community.

With a Cultural Plan now developed, it's on us, the community, to act and execute.

Our collective effort and commitment will transform our vision into reality, enriching our city's cultural landscape and ensuring a vibrant future for all.

We can’t just leave the plan on a shelf. We must work to put it into action.

The success of the Cultural Plan will depend on contributions from the private and public sectors, as well as individuals committed to the betterment of our region.

I encourage you to support our arts and culture community. Attend events, volunteer at local arts organizations, make a financial donation, purchase art or advocate for the arts by speaking to government leaders.

By supporting the arts, you are enriching our community and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

As we move forward, it’s up to us to create a vibrant, healthy and dynamic cultural landscape for everyone to enjoy.

To learn more about the Cultural Plan and/or get involved with the Cultural Plan’s Action Steps, reach out to the Arts Council at artsforeveryone.com/cultural-plan.

Tom McNamara is the mayor of Rockford, Illinois.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Your turn: Community will play integral role in Cultural Plan success