|
 Imagine a place designed specifically to meet the wants and needs of artists; space to “work where you live” in an environment customized to fit an artist’s lifestyle. The Arts Council, City of Erie and the Erie Redevelopment Authority are working together to bring this exciting possibility to life in Downtown Erie.
Plans Unveiled for 14th and State project:
 Buildings located at 1329 State Street and 14 E. 14th Street have been purchased by the Erie Redevelopment Authority and are being proposed as future live/work sites. Architect Jeff Kidder of KidderWachter Architects presented a schematic design for the project at a public meeting at the Redevelopment Authority on October 11.
Artist Live/Work Space Background:
The artist live/work space is just one part of the Erie downtown redevelopment plan. The development of this space will:
- Provide a safe working environment for artists that allows them to grow professionally, and achieve financial stability.
- Create a use for existing vacant or underutilized buildings.
- Promote community revitalization by attracting additional arts friendly businesses and increased pedestrian traffic.
Appeal to younger people.
In early 2004, the Arts Council was asked by the PA Council on the Arts to consider the concept of developing space in Erie where artists could live, work and display their art. The Board of the Arts Council agreed that this was an area that the Arts Council should pursue. As a result, a small committee was formed that was comprised of individuals with backgrounds in the arts, housing, finance, architecture and government who have been exploring the idea.
As part of our research, the Arts Council created and distributed an artist survey to determine the level of interest for a live/work space among regional artists. The questions included on the survey were designed to assess the type of structure artists would prefer, an affordable price for a live/work space, any special facility needs an artist may require, and the types of ancillary businesses artists would like to have within an arts community. General information such as artistic expression, studio location, and typical selling outlets were also gathered on the survey. Approximately 1800 surveys were mailed out, and 116 were returned which is a 6% return rate. The majority of the persons responding to the survey were between the ages of 36 and 65.
What did we learn?
- Artists are interested in having studio and display space in an artist neighborhood
- Artists are slightly more interested in an older industrial or commercial setting than a two-story storefront
- A downtown setting had the greatest appeal
- There was strong interest in a multi-art use facility
- Studio space that would be open to the public for selling their work was “very desirable”
For more information on the development of the Artist Live/Work Space, please contact the Arts Council of Erie.
|
